Times have drastically changed.
It seems as though the younger generations have taken on the burdens of being adults, while forgetting they are in fact still children.
What happened to the days where time was spent chasing the sun, begging it not to set? Where it felt safe for parents to let their kids have the space and freedom they needed in order to grow.
What was once a pocket full of loose change and special treasures, has been replaced with cell phones and a wad of cash. I sit and watch the youth destroy their bodies and disrespect themselves in order to please others, who are in turn easily influenced by the media and their peers.
In other cultures and countries, ceremonies and special events define one's passage into adulthood, usually defined by a certain age. In our society, sex and drugs have become a "right of passage" for our children and the age in which the experimenting begins is younger and younger. The most disturbing part of this whole dilemma is the children who are endangering their bodies and lives are not educated about the consequences or how to protect themselves.
Parks and summer camps have been replaced by parent-less houses and rehabs. In an effort to halt this dangerous cycle, we all need to do our part to inspire a change so that the youth will follow in our example.
