Be Part of the Solution

Sometimes when I can't sleep I need to get my thoughts out on paper. When my brain won't shut off I need to write.

My daughter's school had another violence threat today. Nothing prepares you in regards to parenthood, the absolute gut-wrenching feeling of uselessness and indescribable pain when your kid is involved in potential tragedy. We are the lucky ones. We are not a school who was shot up, yet. It's horrifying and honestly I'm tired of feeling helpless. We need to be part of the solution.

Walking my teenager to the bus stop. She fought me at first but I know she enjoys the time now. ❣️

I am not here to complain about the school. I could not be more proud to be a parent of our school district. The response to these frustrating potential threats has been serious and so efficient. Our kids are safe and that confidence in my daughter's school is humbling. Again, we should feel extremely fortunate.

As a parent who grew up in the time of Columbine, it is our job to raise our children and speak to them about these acts. We want our kids to know right from wrong and grow up to be successful adults. That starts at home. Not every kid is fortunate to have a loving and supportive home life. How can we help?

I want to shower the school with love and support. I want the teachers and staff to have free coffee. Breakfast. Anything I can do honestly! They show up for our kids and I could not be more proud of the school and how they are molding the minds of our future generations. How can you help?

I think parents need to be more involved. I've been a parent for 15 years. I know the hard days, months, years. I can only imagine how insane it is to parent multiple kids close in age. It is a lot. We still need to do better. Screens open up a world of the internet to young minds. My daughter found lots at a young age. We can't just not allow the internet. We as parents need to have weekly dinners without TV or phones and talk with these young people we are raising. It's like the age old "How was school today?" Kids' response: fine. No! You need to dig deeper. Be involved. What do they like to do? I know, I have it easy with a girl. HA! If you haven't experiences it yet, enjoy those teenage years 😅 Still. I find small ways to connect between the bouts of insanity of raising a teenager. Starbucks. Five Below. The Mall. And I'm sure I could spend 15 minutes with your kid and find something to talk about.

This morning on our walk.

I know, these threats are not all on parents either. I just have to clear my head and sometimes that rant just flows out. Teenagers' brains are not fully developed. As much as they are gaining independence they still need us/parents. I also worry about the kids who might not have good role models. I want to help! I want to be more involved. Wanting to help is half the battle. Together, we can get through this and hopefully stop the cycle. ❣️