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Gun Violence- We Can Do Without It

Image by Brett Hondow from Pixabay

Gun violence continues to be a problem in this country. It is senseless killing and the loss of innocent lives that really makes the problem such a sore subject. Everyone has the right to bear arms and protect themselves and their families. The use of guns for robbing, stealing and inflicting harm on others is the ugly side of it all. It is sad when children are the victims of stray bullets, or anyone for that matter. How do you protect your children when they are home in their bed and struck by random bullets? Even if the child pulls through it changes the course of their lives forever.

Gun violence begs the question, how do you protect yourself and your children from being shot? It is not something you want to think about on a daily basis as you try to go about your life, but it is very real. Especially, when you are at home and a stray bullet comes through the walls or windows. You go to your car in the morning and its shot up with bullet holes. All you have to do is walk down the street and catch one just for being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

In my line of work, I regularly see the faces of these young children and teens who sustain gun shot wounds. It makes no sense that their lives are FOREVER changed due to gun violence. Some of them are now confined to a wheelchair, some are on crutches for a while, some are still able to walk. Depending on what organs were damaged will determine how much of their lives they get to enjoy from now on. Some unfortunately did not survive the violence by a gun. I just think to myself that this can be my child. Bullets don’t have names.

Guns In School

You ever wonder why kids are packing guns with their lunch these days? I know that some kids don’t have lunch; but they have a gun in their bookbag. It makes you wonder; if a child is bringing a firearm to school, is it because they are being bullied. Also, I wonder where they got the gun from. Maybe they are just showing off to their friends in an effort to fit in. Is the student involved in a gang? Whatever the reason, it makes me wonder what is wrong with this world. Why would a child feel the need to bring a weapon to school? Whatever the reason is, it has to stop.

Photo by Heather Mount on Unsplash

So should the answer be to install metal detectors at school? Maybe make the kids carry clear bookbags so that the contents are visible while at school? We all know that there are too many politics involved to actually make this a reality. And even if it did happen, would it make a difference? Is it enough?

Senseless Acts of Violence

Being shot over a gas pump at the gas station is not enough reason to justify a life being lost. Accidentally, stepping on someone’s sneaker is not a reason to be shot. Sitting on your porch or being in front of your building, minding your own business is not a reason to be shot. Brushing up against someone in a crowded room, is not a reason to kill someone.

Believe it or not, it happens more often than you think. There is no regard for life these days. Over the past two years, we have already lost and continue to lose people every day due to Covid-19 and then we add the number of people being killed by guns. Sometimes you don’t want to go out and enjoy life because something might pop off out of nowhere, and over something so small. It is not a good idea to live life afraid to go certain places, but it is a reality for some people.

Drive by Shootings

When drive by shootings happen a lot of times people who have nothing to do with the beef get hurt. An unfortunate fact but something we live with in this world. Consider yourself lucky if you haven’t been a victim of gun violence. The people who commit these crimes have no regard for who else will be affected by whatever drama they have going on. Usually, it is over something trifling, like whose block they on and all the other nonsense.

Road Rage

Everyone is in such a rush these days. Some are just plain rude and like to cut people off on the road because they think they can. It makes no sense to shoot someone because you think they stole your parking space. Maybe they were driving too slow and they wanted you out of the way. People, slow down!! Where ever you are going will still be there when you arrive. The goal is to arrive in one piece.

You may have looked at someone too long or in the wrong way and that person took offense. The next thing you know, you are minding your business at work and you get shot for something that was misinterpreted by the person who shot you. It has happened, this is not made up. People are so much in their feelings about small things and therefore just looking for a reason to jump. Why?! Get over yourself and just drive your car man! If I’m driving too slow, go around me. If I mistakenly cut over into your lane, I’m sorry, I didn’t see you.

Conclusion

In my opinion, you shouldn’t have to worry about your child coming home from school. Wondering if they are going to make it through the day at school. They are there to learn but it seems that they have their safety to worry about too. What happened to worrying about if you are going to do well on a test? If you made it on the sports team or into a club at school? Now, you have to watch your back and hope nobody tests you in ways other than academically.

Do we need to equip everyone with bullet proof vests? Are all the stores going to install plexiglass? Maybe businesses will install metal detectors for all patrons coming into their establishment. Better or newer gun laws might help. Harder punishment for perpetrators of gun violence? More education about the proper use of guns might help to prevent accidental discharges. I’m not sure what the answer is but something has to change.

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Behind the Screen of the Electronic Age

Image by Mariakray from Pixabay

Behind the screen of the electronic age

Behind the Screen of the Electronic Age (Audio only)

Once upon a time kids played outside. What happened to the days when kids talked to each other and made friends? The electronic age happened. The computer screen, tablet, cell phone screens all came into play. Back in the day, they didn’t have to know each other in order to play a game of hide and seek, jump rope, dodgeball, hopscotch, hand ball and the all the other games kids played. Since the internet and the electronic age, there is a lot less socialization. As a result, children have become too reliant on cell phones, tablets, computers and video games for their entertainment and socialization.

Everyone is behind a screen browsing the internet, watching videos and/or movies, texting or playing video games. No one talks to each other anymore face to face. It is crazy how you can have a room full of people sitting together but they are not talking to each other. Everyone has some kind of device in their hand staring at a screen. Not to mention people walking in the street looking like zombies with their phone in hand not looking where they are going. It’s dangerous, very dangerous!

Video Games

Video games provide some form of entertainment for kids. Kids need some kind of outlet. The problem comes in when they are on the game for hours on end. It is up to parents to limit the time spent playing these games. It hurts their vision the longer they use the game. It makes kids sit for long periods of time. As a result, they are not getting any physical activity. It lessens time spent in the real world talking and socializing in person.

Image by Romy Topf from Pixabay
Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

Internet

The internet allows for accessing information quickly. No need to get in the car to go to the library to check out a book or look up something in an encyclopedia. Children can research information needed for homework and other school projects. The dark side to the internet is that there is so much information out there it is easy for kids to see inappropriate content. Just a few keystrokes and kids can be exposed to things that are not age appropriate.

Social Media

Social media, just like anything else on the internet has changed. In some ways for good and some ways bad. The good part of social media is that you can stay in contact with people who are across the country from you. You can find long lost relatives and friends without doing a lot of leg work.

Social media is also a good way to advertise your business. If you are a business owner, it is a great marketing tool. It is a lot faster than word of mouth advertising.

Social media is also a place where you can showcase your personal skills. If you have a hobby and create things in your spare time, what a better place to show that. You might be good at sewing and like to make clothes. Maybe you like to put outfits together and give people inspiration. You may be a good singer and want to post videos of yourself singing songs that you wrote.

You name it and you can do it on social media. There are so many platforms. Just keep in mind that there will be critics. When you put yourself out there, the critics will come. And, it’s ok. It’s ok because no matter who you are or what you do, there are always people hiding behind the screen. In my opinion, don’t write something about someone that you are not willing to say to their face. If you can’t say it in person, don’t write it.

Conclusion

The electronic age has made things easier for everyone. It is not all bad. You can accomplish a lot of things without leaving the house. It only gets problematic when too much time is spent staring at a screen. Especially, children who are so easily influenced. We need to be mindful and very watchful of what children view online.

The more time kids spend behind the screen, the less physical activity they get. This can result in them becoming overweight. They will lose much needed socialization skills the more time they are sitting on their computer and/or cell phones.

What can we do to get back to people and strike a balance between screen time and face to face interaction?

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Teaching Children the Value of Money

Image by 3D Animation Production Company from Pixabay

Teaching our children the value of money is about providing the tools they will need as they grow up. One of the basic things we know about money is that it does not grow on trees. Kids don’t think about that when they want something. All they know is gimme, gimme, gimme while they have their hand out. As parents, we have seen this all too many times. It is up to us as parents to educate our children about the value of money.

A conversation needs to happen with our children so they know and learn about financial responsibility. I don’t mean we need to sit down and go over the bank ledger or spreadsheet of all the household monthly bills. After all, they are kids, they are not interested in this. But, they do need to know the basics. I must confess that I did not do this with my child. Looking back, I wish I had. That doesn’t mean it is too late for some of you.

A simple way to do this is when we are shopping at the grocery or department store. If they see something that is not in the budget or on the list, they want it right? Well, that is when we have to first, learn to say no. We have to let them know that everything on the shelf is not for the taking. Maybe today they cannot have that shirt or snack but the next time; maybe.

Secondly, we must also let them know not to spend everything they have, just because they have it. Save some money for a rainy day. Just because you have $150 does not mean that you should spend it all. Save a portion of this so that you will always have something in your pocket.

Ways to teach children about money

GET A PIGGY BANK

A piggy bank is a good start depending on the age of the child. But, for an older child they may want to use something else. A shoe box, canister, or an envelope. Anything they feel comfortable stashing their money in, let them choose. Encourage them to count their money at least once a week. This will build excitement and they can see how much their money is growing. Let them know also, that not everyone needs to know where their money is or how much they have.

GIVE AN ALLOWANCE

An allowance does 2 things. The first thing is that it teaches the child responsibility. They know in order to get their allowance they have to do something, like chores around the house. They are not just being given money. Secondly, it gives them a sense a pride to know that the money they are getting is because they worked for it. Anything they use the money for will be more meaningful to them.

TAKE YOUR CHILD TO THE BANK

Going to the bank lets them see how bank transactions work. This way they will know how to make a deposit and/or withdrawal. I know this sounds simple but there are some out there who do not know how to complete a bank transaction. Alternatively, you can open a bank account in your child’s name and show them how to balance their account.

LET THEM SHOP WITH THEIR MONEY

When making a purchase, let them use the money that they have saved. When they realize that they are using the money they earned, they might be a little more selective about how much they spend and on what they spend their money. It may give them a healthier overall attitude about spending. When they learn that Mom and Dad are not just going to buy something for them, they will cherish the item more and be smarter about what they buy.

EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF PAYING WITH CASH

Instead of credit cards pay in cash. I know you are thinking, kids don’t have credit cards. Well…some do but that is for another discussion. This is just something to mention to them in their early life, to prepare them for later. Hopefully, they will remember this lesson. When paying with cash you can only spend up to the amount that you have on hand. You cannot overspend for something that you know may be overpriced. Also teach them to comparison shop. At the grocery store have them compare the same or similar products and not just grab the first one they see. Most times, the more expensive products will be at eye level and the easiest to find. This is what the retail giants want us to do as consumers.

Do’s

  • Do encourage paying with cash- this helps to prevent overspending
  • Do take care of personal belongings- taking special care and pride will make things last longer and keep them looking newer longer. You never know when/if you will get another
  • Do shop around for the best price- always check other options available for the item you are looking for
  • Do stress the importance of counting change after each transaction before leaving the counter

Image by janjf93 from Pixabay/text by O’Nika McGill

Don’ts

  • Don’t just buy the first item you see on the shelf-Compare prices or look for sale items
  • Don’t spend all the money you have- Save a portion and spend wisely
  • Don’t be careless with your things. Put things away in their proper place so that it does not get damaged
  • Don’t loan an amount of money that you cannot afford to give away- We don’t always get paid back the money we lend; so be sure what you lend you can afford and not be adversely affected if you don’t get the money back

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay/text by O’Nika McGill

Recap

So, what do we know? We know that money does not grow on trees, someone has to work to bring that money into the home. Children need to learn this. I’m not saying to never, ever again buy anything for them. All I am saying is to help them understand the value in what they receive.

Kids also need to know that when they are being given something, to take care of it. Don’t treat it like tomorrow they can just get another one. When we see them taking pride in receiving then we are more inclined to give a little more. If a child demonstrates that they appreciate what they have by being responsible with it and taking care of it, this is always a good thing.

Another thing they should be taught is that money is not always about spending. Keep some in your pocket. We are not trying to keep up with the Joneses. Just because your friend down the street bought something new, so what!! You mind your own pocket. That new pair of shoes or new video game will be out of style soon. Keep your pocket full. Keep your pocket full.