School Shootings: Trust Me, The Guns AREN'T the Problem
- Auntie Dearest
- Sep 16, 2024
- 6 min read
This is going to be one of the more raw and difficult blog posts I've posted so far online. The skyrocket in accounts of school shootings and hearing all the political propaganda they are coating it in, has made me think it's time to finally put this out there. When it comes to mass casualty or mass injury incidents happening at schools, the guns aren't the thing everyone should be focusing on. The political motivation behind falsely labeling the reasons for these has to stop and the truth needs to take front stage. The guns aren't the problem everyone should be concentrating on.
I say over and over again that my dad should be the hero to many and it's true for so many reasons. One of them is that he stopped a tragedy that would have affected far more people than just his immediate family members. Not just by being a father, but by knowing his child and being unsettled enough by what he was seeing to make necessary changes. Despite being a hard-working man who was away from home all day, 5 (sometimes 6) days a week working and using his spare time to fix anything around the house or work on whatever new thing he was wanting to learn, he still saw that something needed to be done and did it.
So, long story made short; I was a very troubled kid. My personality disorder wasn't diagnosed but there were signs, especially dichotomous thinking, and as everyone knows high school is a time full of turbulent emotions. Bullies and bad friendships affect some children more than others, some children don't have anyone to truly empty their thoughts to, and it builds up. The problems that are keeping this disturbing trend of school tragedies being seasonal occurrences aren't the guns or access to the guns as much as it is that children are needing help that they aren't getting because parents aren't paying attention.
Parents aren't paying attention to how bad mental health is so they aren't doing anything to fix it. They are relying on school therapy that isn't qualified to handle things that they should be taking their child to a specialist for. They are medicating children so they don't have to do the work of helping their children learn how to work with and through whatever they are facing. Children are being sent to their rooms to raise themselves even more so than before and the damage is showing.
Mental health care for adolescents is a multifaceted issue that encompasses various factors influencing young individuals' well-being. The complexities of adolescence, coupled with societal expectations and technological advancements, have created a unique landscape that shapes the mental health challenges faced by today's youth. In recent decades, researchers and healthcare professionals have made substantial progress in unraveling the intricacies of adolescent mental health, shedding light on the prevalence of conditions such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders among this demographic.
Despite the advancements in understanding adolescent mental health, significant gaps remain in the provision of adequate care and support for young individuals. Access to mental health services, stigma surrounding mental illness, and the lack of tailored interventions for adolescents are some of the barriers that impede the effective management of mental health issues in this population. Moreover, the increasing prevalence of cyberbullying, social media pressures, and academic stressors further compound the challenges faced by adolescents, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive mental health care services.
Enhancing mental health care for adolescents requires a holistic approach that integrates early intervention, community support, and targeted interventions to address the unique needs of young individuals. By promoting mental health literacy, fostering open conversations about mental well-being, and providing accessible resources for adolescents, we can create a more supportive environment that prioritizes the mental health of our youth. Collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, educators, policymakers, and parents are essential in developing a comprehensive framework that ensures the well-being of adolescents is safeguarded and nurtured.
Keeping a close eye on things as a parent is super important for doing a great job at parenting. It's not just a nice-to-have – it's a must-do to make sure your child is happy and growing well. When parents pay attention and notice what's going on, they can understand their kids' behaviors, feelings, and needs better.
By being observant, parents can catch onto small signs and changes in their kids' moods that might show there are some issues or challenges going on. This awareness lets parents step in early, give support, and deal with any worries before they get bigger. It also helps build a stronger connection and understanding between parents and kids, making the bond and trust between them even tighter.
Plus, being observant as a parent means really getting involved with your kids, listening to them, and being there for them. This kind of attention helps parents spot patterns, figure out triggers, and offer the right guidance and support when it's needed. It also lets parents cheer on their kids' wins, milestones, and successes, creating a positive and caring atmosphere.
So, being observant as a parent isn't just about watching behavior; it's about tuning into your child's needs, feelings, and experiences. It takes patience, empathy, and a real effort to truly get your child and connect on a deeper level. By focusing on being observant and actively taking part in your child's life, you're setting up a strong and supportive relationship based on trust, communication, and respect.
One cool thing about being observant as a parent is being able to give personalized support to your child. Each kid is different, with their own strengths, challenges, and likes. By paying close attention, parents can figure out what drives and excites their child, so they can offer tailored guidance and motivation. This personal touch can really boost a child's self-esteem and confidence, making them feel understood and backed in their journey.
Also, being observant as a parent helps spot any issues or hurdles your child might be facing. Whether it's school struggles, social problems, or emotional challenges, attentive parents are more likely to notice when their child needs help. This proactive approach can stop problems from getting worse and empower both parent and child to team up and find solutions together.
On top of that, being observant as a parent can improve communication in the family. When parents really listen to their kids, show they understand their feelings, and respond with care, it sets up a safe space for honest talks. This open line of communication builds trust and respect, so kids feel okay sharing their thoughts, worries, and experiences with their parents without being scared of judgment.
All in all, being observant as a parent is an ongoing thing that needs commitment, mindfulness, and a real interest in your child's well-being. It's a powerful tool that can strengthen the parent-child bond, encourage healthy growth, and nurture a supportive family vibe based on understanding and empathy.
Another thing I need to point out about these tragedies and parental involvement is it's super important to realize that sometimes you might not know if your own kids are being bullies, whether it's at school or with their friends. This lack of awareness could be because you're not talking enough with your kids, missing the signs of bullying, or just not wanting to believe that your child could be involved in such negative stuff.
Since parents have a big impact on how their kids behave, it's crucial to keep an eye out for any signs of bullying in your children. By having open and honest conversations with them, you can create a supportive atmosphere where they feel safe sharing their feelings and experiences, making it easier to spot and deal with any bullying problems.
Also, make sure you know about the different types of bullying, like verbal, physical, and cyberbullying, so you can recognize and address any concerning behavior from your kids. Through ongoing education and intervention, you can step in, educate, and guide your children to develop positive and respectful relationships with their peers.
Remember, dealing with bullying in your kids requires a well-rounded approach. It's not just about spotting the signs but also understanding why they might be behaving that way. Creating a safe space for your kids to express themselves without judgment is key to digging deeper into the root causes of their bullying tendencies.
Moreover, don't hesitate to reach out to school counselors, psychologists, or community resources for extra help in effectively addressing bullying behavior. Working with professionals can equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to handle tough situations and steer your children towards healthier interactions with others.
In closing, in this blog post I just wanted to talk about how parents play a huge role in how kids turn out. By being there for your children, you can create a loving environment that teaches them important values like empathy, respect, and responsibility.
When parents are involved in their kids' lives, it helps build a strong bond and sets clear boundaries. This hands-on approach can teach children to take responsibility for their actions and understand the consequences, which can prevent them from making bad choices.
So, even though we can't guarantee nothing bad will happen, being a caring and attentive parent who takes a proactive approach to parenting can really make a difference in how your kids behave.
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