Many American families have made a terrible mistake, which has cost lives! They failed to discuss and create an environment that promotes individual responsibility. As a result, many young people do not know how to handle emotional pain and anger. Anger can turn into revenge as individuals blame others for their problems. They may even feel justified in shutting down their conscience and victimizing others. Or, they may resort to self-harm. Our failure to focus on taking responsibility for our health and safety has led to drug abuse, mental problems, violent behavior and suicide.
Teens killing each other and adults using guns to kill fellow Americans is a wake up call for every American. We cannot hire enough police or guard every soft target. More laws will NOT control the 310,000,000 guns in circulation today. No one knows what someone else is thinking, so it is up to families to evaluate their own family dynamics.
Ask yourself…
Does everyone in my family feel loved and respected?
Do family members listen and support each other?
Have family members experienced abuse or trauma?
Is a family member abusing drugs or alcohol?
Is a family member keeping secrets and becoming isolated?
Do family members trust each other and willing to share their fears, anger and/or ask for help?
Are you willing to step up and become the family peacemaker?
Does a family member need a family intervention?
Can family members ask for help or seek counseling, if needed?
In a free society, children must learn how to grow from within to develop a self-protective conscience to prevent them from blaming self or others. Everyone has problems. Solving problems is how we grow strong and resilient. A supportive family develops strong bonds, which helps youth deal with the slings and arrows of life!
Seek help, if needed. Help is available. Do some homework…call your local hotline, police, area representative, school counselor or talk to a priest, rabbi or pastor.
If we are going to keep Americans safe and healthy, we must do our part to strengthen family support and work with neighbors to protect each other and keep neighborhoods safe!
Every human being needs to be heard, feel loved and supported as they discover the inner power of self-discipline. To raise mentally healthy, resilient, happy children who become responsible adults, check out, “Empowerment Parenting” on www.safekidsnow.com
