We are all aware of several important issues facing us as a society. One major issue is the lack of affordable, close by, available, high quality child care. Parents work different hours, shifts, etc and need consistent, competent, trustworthy care for their children, of all ages.
We are a multi-cultural society and we can respect and learn from each other; we are alike in many ways and there are some significant differences too. Respect for the similarities and differences is vital. Let’s plan to respectfully give each other more info about how we operate, what we expect and more.
Another issue is unplanned pregnancies. It would be ideal if more young people were more aware of just how difficult it is to raise children. For years I have semi-seriously joked that if more people really knew just how hard it is, we would have become extinct a LONG time ago!
It would be so great if more young people took their time and planned more for having families. Young families would be more stable, and finances would be more dependable. It’s SO hard for young families who don’t have the income to support themselves adequately. Extended families are often a big help, no doubt about that at all! However, when the young families themselves have the capacity to handle all that they have to handle, extended families definitely can still help – but the stress is less.
When stress is less, people take better care of themselves and their young ones, physically and emotionally. Generally, health improves. Some physical and emotional problems are prevented or lessened with good care and attention – and less stress!
It might not be so hard to teach kids the basics about child care and early child development; they may already be learning a lot caring for younger siblings and/or babysitting. It would be a big help to fill in the gaps in what they are learning these ways.
Well, I have the beginning of an idea to address these issues; the details will be in the next Journey edition. I just wanted to put some thoughts out there and ask for your input. This is a huge project and will need a lot of valuable thought and discussion. Brainstorming will be the first stage.
Hear me out, this isn’t an easy fix. It will take a lot of planning, cooperation and conversation. The practical plan could take different forms, and it definitely won’t happen overnight. I would really like to hear thoughts, opinions and reactions from child care workers, educators, parents and others who want to weigh in.