Why should WE be actively involved?

My father died just before 9-11.  I don't think he ever would have imagined the events of that day taking place in our lifetimes.  

When I reflect on this thought, it causes me to wonder - what might happen in the lifetime of our children that we simply cannot imagine happening?  Will they be prepared?  And what is our responsibility, as parents, to ensure they have the tools they require, to adapt and survive, regardless of what twists and turns may lie ahead, in the world they stand to inherit?  A world we parents undoubtedly shape by our choices, on a collective level, today.

Warning - I am a politically incorrect mom.  Read the rest at your own risk.

I believe parents are the ultimate authority.   There's no question our responsibilities are great.  Too great to leave on the doorstep of our schools or at the mercy of our politicians.  It's time for us to dig deeper - to get inspired as leaders and take up our common cause.  It's time to squarely take our power back and get involved, openly debating our views and concerns; working together to solve problems with patience and tolerance at our sides.  Because, if our children are to believe that it is possible to shape their world for the better, it is up to us to teach them, by our own example.

I don't know about you, but it concerns me that we seem to be leaving our children with more problems (not less!) while, at the same time, teaching them, less and less, to think independently and critically and to problem-solve.  

In our time-starved, politically correct world, it's more than daunting to consider active participation - getting out there and trying to make a real difference on behalf of not just our own children, but all children.

It's tough enough to get even the minimum done in all the areas of our busy lives, as parents.  Add to that some active participation - trying to make a real difference on behalf of not just our own children, but all children...well, it can seem a daunting idea, to say the least.

It's easy to feel torn - between concentrating on what's just in front of us and what's "out there" - in the world at large.   And, the fact is, every day is a choice - to take another step in one direction over another and have faith that it's the right direction.   So, WHY worry about the world at large?  Why not just focus on our own children in our own homes?

I can't speak for all parents.  But, for myself, I keep thinking that the reason I struggle with the idea of just focussing on our children is that our children must live in a world with all of the other children out there.  The fact is, the minute we give birth, we have entered the process of passing the proverbial torch - the future is theirs, not ours.  So, if we do have the power to do something NOW, on a larger scale, to ensure they all have fewer problems, not more, why wouldn't we make the effort?

I think it goes without saying that adults today have an incredible array of problems and concerns.   I'll be the first to admit, sometimes I honestly don't know which is a better idea - to accept the thought that we have virtually no control in this great big world (run!!) or to embrace the thought that we are at a point of incredible opportunity - that, if we could ALL focus on coming together and problem-solving as a group, transcending our political correctness in our society, our potential to do something big would be immense.  

For now, I keep taking a step a day, maintaining the faith that I'm not alone.  Because, the one thing I do know for sure is that nothing happens in isolation - no one person makes the world go around and nothing happens without our getting involved, together.   Hopefully, more and more people will be inspired to find time to come together and act, collectively.  Which is the point of this link - parent empowerment.  If all it ever achieves is reaching a few more people who recognize the value in working together to improve things in the world beyond our individual doorsteps, then... that's got to count for something.

-Tristan Benz

Maiden America