The inattention to children by our society poses a greater threat to our safety, harmony and productivity than any other external enemy. — Marian Wright Edelman, civil rights and children’s activist, founder of Children’s Defense Fund.
This is not political. No choosing sides since I have only one. The human side. My human side is gravely concerned that physically, spiritually and psychologically, the severity and longevity of the pandemic took us to the breaking point.
It was particularly hard on the mental health of adolescents. Their activities, plans, hopes and dreams were canceled or changed, and disappointment hit hard. Now many teenagers are depressed, angry, frustrated, confused and are falling deep into holes of anxiety, fear and futility.
As parents and caregivers, we need to speak to their concerns. And listen. We need to help children of all ages with maintaining emotional stability and building their resilience. Resilience, the ability to cope with the fears and realities of living in uncertainty and traumatic stress, is what they, what all of us, need.
Experts at Johns Hopkins tell us that teens cut off from normal activities want to feel like they have purpose and meaning. They feel more empowered when they understand that their actions matter. Productivity and purposefulness can help channel their anxious energy.
What a time for those with more to demonstrate their compassion and care for those with little. Show them how behaving in ways that promote love, cooperation, respect and understanding, even via technology, can help us all stay alive, well, and thriving.
Encourage teens to volunteer for something they care about, to help those in greater need, to practice gratitude, and to be thankful for the gifts they find, the most important of which is each other.
Jim R. Rogers
I’ve had multiple careers, 40-years in TV and film advertising, a parenting and family life educator, author of The Incredible Importance of Effective Parenting, and a poet and playwright. I am passionate about parents, teachers, and counselors understanding the needs of young children and educating them in ways that will result in healthy, productive adults. I am also passionate about the loving moments I get to spend with my wife Sally and Hope, the dog.
Jim is also the author of a just-published children’s book, Bark! Bark! Bark in the Dark: Family Pets Save the Night. Dogs by their very nature are not only our best friends, but our warning systems whenever anything is out of the norm. They are our loyal protectors. You can find Jim’s book at all online bookstores and it can be ordered by your local bookstore.
What’s Your Story?
The pandemic impacted all of us, but it was particularly hard on adolescents. Many are still suffering. What can we do?
As a parenting and family life educator, Jim R. Rogers has many years of experience understanding the needs of children and helping families address them. In his reflection, he offers suggestions on how to raise teenagers’ sense of meaning, purpose, and gratitude to help build their resilience. The steps he suggests for teenagers would work for all of us, at any age.
What a time for those with more to demonstrate their compassion and care for those with little. Show them how behaving in ways that promote love, cooperation, respect and understanding, even via technology, can help us all stay alive, well, and thriving.
Encourage teens to volunteer for something they care about, to help those in greater need, to practice gratitude, and to be thankful for the gifts they find, the most important of which is each other.
What saying, quote, song or poem has inspired you to step up to help others, to practice gratitude? What words have helped you build resilience?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or consider sharing a short reflection (up to 250 words) about a text that has inspired you and helped you to build resilience. We’ll post it here on Substack and on the Building Bridges Word by Word website.
Why share your story? We all could use inspiration these days. It may be that the words that you turn to will make the difference for another.
Click on the button below for story guidelines and steps for submitting your reflection. Questions? Email me at mscribner.buildingbridgeswbw@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you and working with you to share your reflection. Each story is part of the bridge we are building across our divides.
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Very inspiring reflection - Thanks for sharing it!