This is a post my cousin recently put on Facebook, worthy of being repeated here…
“Makes me so sad to see adults on television and on Twitter and Facebook posting news articles and sources calling out and trying to discredit or demean a 16 year old girl who was selected as Time Magazine Person of the Year. This is a title she was SELECTED for by the magazine—she didn’t ask for it or compete for it, she didn’t enter a contest trying to seek accolades for what she is doing—she was selected out of a group of 10 finalists. A 16 year old—the youngest person to ever receive the title. This should send a positive message to all kids around the world who believe in an issue or cause, that despite all the discord and noise going on in the world with “adults” today, it was the voice of a 16 year old that garnered the attention of the world, and that every child has a voice and that voice can be valued. We wonder why children bully each other, opt out of engaging in their schools, communities, and with their friends/families, turn to drugs or alcohol, commit violent crimes or homicide, suffer from depression and anxiety, or worse, commit suicide which is now the 2nd leading cause of death in this age group. This is why. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree, do that—agree or disagree with the issue—and educate your child and others how to do just that…respectfully agree or disagree without personally attacking others. Don’t devalue and personally attack a child, or anyone for that matter. We have seen this far too often with kids who stand up for what they believe in or who have been impacted by experiences or situations—human tracking, sexual assault, school shootings, climate change, disabilities, LGBTQ+, etc. We educate our children to be the voice of the future, our future and their future. When we shame them or ridicule them, you send the message to all children that they are not respected, valued, empowered, or worthy of having a thought, opinion, or idea, and you minimize their ability and desire to be leaders or change agents. Don’t #BeBest, be better. We ask so much of children today, they become little adults and expected to act, achieve, and behave like it at younger and younger ages, yet when they speak up or out too often we pat them on the head and tell them to pipe down and go play. Encourage all children to dream big, to step out of their comfort zone, to engage at all levels in their communities, to stand up for what they believe in and to respectfully debate what they don’t agree with, to be respectful of everyone’s opinions and beliefs, and to actively listen to engage not just hear words. They will be the helpers we will seek out when we are in need. Be the example you would want your child to emulate because they are always watching, listening, and reading what we say and do.” – Alicia Rossiter
This gave me goosebumps on my scalp. Thank you, Alicia.
