Today's teens are exposed to so many bad influences and parents are so busy that I believe they require more parenting than in the past. There was a time when moms could take over the brunt of raising kids, but now many moms work. Dads need to be more involved in raising their children then ever before.

For single moms who also need to work, this poses a giant problem. They are without the help and support they need the most. How do they provide an income and raise kids? How do they afford daycare? How do they grow themselves while helping their children thrive?

The answers take us back to the principle of a village raising a child. This was a biblical principle way before others took credit for it in recent years. The idea here is that everyone should be responsible for this generation of kids. If you know a single mom and can help, give them support. If a busy family with two parents is a neighbor, offer them a hand. We are all here together in this world and need to share the awesome responsibility of raising the nation's kids. Maybe you have what it takes to be a foster parent or respite provider for those who do foster care. Whatever you can do, you must do.

Teens, and kids of all ages, will often do something wrong when they are outside and in the neighborhood. A neighbor who sees this has several options. They can do nothing and turn their head. They can report the incident to the parents, or they can react to it themselves. I know many people are concerned about being sued or antagonizing a neighbor by interfering. Truth is that most parents welcome the help.

Since we cannot have eyes in back of our heads, we appreciate others helping us. Be aware of the things that are most likely to cause you trouble and avoid them. Never lay your hand on someone else's kids; do not swear at them; try to be understanding, and not negative. Put things in terms like, "I do not think your parents would want you to..." or "Johnny, you will hurt yourself if you keep climbing on that..." or "Boy, I wouldn't want to be you if you paint graffiti on that car!" Keep things as casual as possible. If immediate danger is at hand, interfere. When violence or a crime is in progress, interfere. We all pay for crime in costs at the stores and with insurance. We cannot ever justify standing by while violence takes place.

And when a parent does not welcome your information, tell them your only reason for coming to them was out of concern for their children. If parents ignore you, call the police. We can't stop the problems unless we act.

Save our kids; get involved.

© Copyright 2000

Credits: Jo Ann Wentzel