How well do you know….?

The family thread should go long and deep so that it is entwined within the family unit, but should it go beyond that?  The generation coming up today is an independent one, one full of confidence and determination to make a mark in this world.  That’s all well and good, but where is the base?  Where’s the foundation?  Is it there?  What happened to the concept of children being nurtured, disciplined and motivated by others outside the home. When it comes to the response in raising children–children are no longer being raised with the assistance of other family members, neighbors or educational figures.

I remember that if I did something, no anything in my neighborhood (good or bad), my Mama knew about it before I even arrived home to tell her.  And please don’t let me do anything in school, Mama and “Deddy” knew about it before I had a chance to get off the school bus.

Fam, these days I hear parents saying that “No one is going to ever lay a hand on my child”!  I truly understand.  My Mom would agree wholeheartedly.  Plain and simple, Mom’s, she wasn’t for that either, but she knew that sometimes it was called for.  Your child may be one of the most honest, loving and most well behaved adolescent in the whole entire world, but don’t get it twisted.  Sometimes some persons other than yourself may have to correct or check them from time to time.  Normally, they shouldn’t have to lay hands on them, but having others correct them should not be prohibited.  If you trust others enough, you should allow them to advise your child, to keep an eye out for and give them yet another sense of protection.  And if it’s a family member, that’s expected.  If it’s your neighbor, it depends.  If it’s a school representative, you should be able to determine to what extent  the teacher, mentor, coach or principal should discipline your child.  Remember folks, it takes a village to raise a child.  How well do we know our friends, family, school figures, coaches and neighbors? How well do you know your village?  If you get to know it well enough and build trusted relationships, maybe the village can be a part of your child’s safe haven. Remember everyone, even our children need a sense of security and protection.