Investing in Your Future

Another great post from John Galt

There are dangers in our world today. Yeah, no kidding.  We can all agree that there are dangers, that we each have our own list, but what dangers worry you the most?  I fear for my old age years when the youth of today are making decisions that affect me.  For now, I can be scary enough, if necessary, to call them on their behavior and maybe even intimidate them into a few course corrections.  These are the kids that party and drive, text and drive, drop trash, flick cigarette butts, shoplift, speak in profanity,  and spend quality time playing videogames rather than getting either a life or a job.  I’m not talking the extremes of these behaviors, but many are present at least a little in the youth of today.  They are common complaints amongst adults.

So, the kids today are your problem, even if they aren’t the ones that sit at your table for dinner or ask to borrow your car.  It’s your responsibility to get involved with them.  We have hard-earned lessons to teach.  Don't back down when they roll their eyes when you speak.  And, don't expect a change overnight.  But, with persistence, you can bestow the virtues of courtesy, manners, proper language, writing skills, compassion and a sound work ethic.  Teaching moments aren't announced.  Many are the quiet moments in the car together, time spent in your presence with other people, and time just hanging out.  They are always watching, so are you a good example?  Do you take a call in the middle of a conversation with them?  If so, shouldn't you expect them to do the same?  So, turn down the volume of the TV, or better yet, turn it off during dinner and have a conversation.  Ask them what is on their mind.

My family has dinner together almost every night.  A luxury, in these busy times.  We talk politics, community issues, trends in our world, relationships, plans, hopes, prayers, and dreams.  I listen to what they say, engage in their debates, and champion their ideas.  I've made sure the kids know that they are part of their community and some of the responsibility lies with them.  They volunteer.  They are advocates for others.  They have plans to make the world a better place.  They are also teenagers, often overwhelmed with school, technology, and social issues.   There is a lot of mean in their world and technology makes it too easy for mean to invade every facet of their day.  As I have also told them since they were little that there is too much ugly in the world, so I won't have it in my house.  Be nice.  It has to start somewhere, so it may as well start here.

They face a lot of challenges.  Social pressures are greater than I remember at their age.  Maybe there was less division, mean and rudeness.  Maybe I was oblivious.  Maybe it just wasn't allowed.  Still, the kids remain hopeful that their world will overcome the current state.  Hope for a better day is a good thing.  Wanting to be an active participant in the path taken is even better.  So, talk to your kids and include their friends.  Share in a debate on issues that are important to them.  Be their champion.  Correct behaviors—theirs and yours—and be a good example.  Invest in your future by investing in theirs.