In recent weeks we have been reminded that life can be a tough go – and not every day is filled with sunshine.
Some days can be pretty tough, whether it is health issues, finances, or just plain getting along with a neighbour. While optimism is a great way to greet the day, it is not always easy.
Although we are blessed to live in such an affluent society, money cannot solve every problem. Folks who believe it is a good start might not be entirely wrong, but if people do not feel well or are down in the dumps, anything money can buy is just a cheap fix.
This past week a statistic played heavy on our mind. One in five kids today suffers some form of mental health issue – making us wonder a little about how kids see things. Mixed homes, an increasing gap between haves and have-nots and a culture centred on having “stuff” all contribute to the problems. Keeping in mind that this 20% will affect those around them makes us think it appropriate that these issues be addressed.
While parents and grandparents might like to think kids today live on Easy Street, there is plenty of confusion for them compared to when the majority of us grew up. The complex nature of today and the inherent risks of kids growing up too quickly differ greatly from decades ago. Television and a technological culture push notions of how life should be, and in many cases the messages involved are far racier than in our youth, when building a fort and using our imagination passed for recreation.
Back in the days of hula hoops and yo-yos it was pretty simple to satisfy youngsters – today it is computers, cell phones and other electronics, plus fashions and other accessories. There is a lot of pressure on kids today to fit in.
Ad Vox Wellington will be hosting an event on May 19. The acronym spells out ‘adding voices together for mental health for children and youth.” The details on how to become involved are in our publication this week. Organizers appear keen to draw awareness to the plight of our youth, and that’s good News. At least someone is trying to make a difference and we see it as a great place to start.
