Four Crimes Against Young People

“There is nothing so pitiful as a young cynic because he has gone from knowing nothing

to believing nothing.”

– Maya Angelou

(1928-2014) American Poet

When we think of crimes against the young, our minds quickly go to drug dealers, gangs, bullies and those who take advantage, exploit and abuse.  These are all very serious and worrisome problems that our young face in deed.  However, I would like to focus on a different, and yet just as serious a crime that is too often inflicted on them by the very people who seek to protect them.  We do not look at these as crimes, but simply mistakes or "for their own good," but the results can be as devastating as any offence they face.

                A simple look around at many of our young people and you can see the problems clearly.  They are discouraged, bitter, empty, solemn and fearful.  The problem of moody teens is not unique to this generation for sure, the problem is that it is growing to a dangerous proportion.  The suicides rate among teens and early adults is at a record high.

                Youth is the best time in a person's life and should be a time of adventure, discovery and imagination.  There are many (what I call) crimes that come against the young.  I would like to examine just four that I believe result directly in their attitudes and beliefs.

1)  We do not teach them how to live right

                The idea that we need to let our children, "go their own way and figure their life out for themselves" is a cop-out.  That is the excuse of lazy people who do not want to take the time and energy to invest in our children.  Young people do not know how they should live - their young.  They learn right from wrong, good from evil from us.  It is the responsibility of every adult to live a wholesome life with character and integrity so that our children will learn how it is done.  Many young people do not believe it is possible because they have never seen it.

2)  We do not inspire our children

                At one time the world was full of heroes.  Not only did young people believe in heroes and strive to be like the good guy, but adults encouraged it.  Now, the bad guy is the new hero and adults do not care.  Inspire your young people to be all they can be, do all they can do and to launch out for adventures and discovery.  Get them books that build character and tell of the good people have done.  Biographies of great men and women should be a part of your home library.  Encourage them to watch good, moral based movies and shows.  Help them to see the wonder and beauty in this world and to spend time with them enjoying it.

3)  We do not encourage them to dream

                Adults have become so cynical that we do not believe that people can achieve greatness any more.  That disbelief goes down to our children and they begin to feel hopeless and without purpose.  Encourage your young people to dream and to desire to achieve greatness.  Show them that in spite of any hardships or difficulties they can be anything they choose to be.  They can change the world.

4)  We don't believe in them

                When you feel that no one really believes in you, you just stop trying.  Our young people have been told by adults in their lives, teachers, leaders and all kinds of media that they are losers and the world is falling apart.  We must help them to understand that they can change the world and make it better.  Even more, we must really believe they can.  I know that the young people today will be our leaders tomorrow.  It is for our own good as well as the welfare of our children that we teach them to be all they were created to be. 

                It takes work and focus to invest in the young.  We need to put all we have into seeing that they become self-reliant, ambitious, positive and hard working.  The best and most efficient way to do that is by example.  Believe in them, believe in yourself.  Help them know that it is possible to live a good, productive life full of adventure and possibilities by living that life yourself.

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey