madameblogalot

As a mom, it has been tough to watch the struggles and lessons my kids have to go through to grow into strong adults. I don’t know what lies ahead for either of my kids, but I have become increasingly aware of just how hard it is to be a kid these days. The more I learn about my son’s school, the more I want to take him out of there. But I am not 100% convinced it is the right thing to do. I just read something that reminded parents not to make decisions out of fear, not to take an action just to keep our kids away from something painful (though I sure feel like I want to do just that!) Without revealing too much of the heartache that my son has been dealing with this school year, here is a snapshot of just what kind of things our kids are dealing with on a regular basis.

Earlier this year, I shared on this blog about a boy in one of my son’s classes who committed suicide. Just this week, my son also shared about another young man he goes to school with who is struggling with his conflict about his sexual identity and past molestation. Another friend has not been to school in about a week. He is facing the results of being here illegally and the likelihood of being deported. Last week, I taught a group of third graders at church. These eight and nine year olds are worried about things like the upcoming state mandated tests and why Chris Brown would choke and beat up his girlfriend Rhianna.

These are just a few of the stressful issues kids and teens are facing today. These are the average, middle class suburban kids. I can only imagine the pain and struggles the inner city, abused and outcast kids are facing. Is it any wonder they can barely concentrate on their algebra?! My heart has been in a constant state of ache for my son for nearly this whole school year. And now it is in agony for the things his friends are dealing with as well.

My heart aches for the kind of world they are growing up in. And while I know that there is really “nothing new under the sun” I still feel anxious for these kids…