Youth Today

[Cindy R. Ellie]

In today's world, we constantly hear about the struggles with today's teens. They are too this, too that, etc.

Well, I want to applaud the teens of today.

As a parent of an adult child with a disability, I have to say that my experience with the high schoolers our child went to school with was exceptional.

I have never met a bunch of more considerate, compassionate, flexible, caring, unbiased group of young people in my life! Out of over 2000 young people, there were very few bullies. And what bullies there were, the others nipped it in the bud right away.

My child was never the "special needs kid". My child was always just "one of them." These young people really were able to look past the disability and see my kid.

The young people of today could teach the adults in this world a thing or two about compassion and acceptance!

 

[doombuggy3]

I think this is because many teens now adays grow up with a lot more understanding and compassion of all races and genders and preferences because of all the education now and all of the resources they have to educate themselves.

I'm glad your teen had such a wonderful experience in hs. That was nice to hear.

 

[Kimmie5870]

I completely agree Cindy! I love how excepting and thoughtful the kids are in our community. My DD14 has only had problems with one boy in her school and like you mentioned,the other kids took care of the problem.

Our only problem is the kids (grades 7-12) are overly preotective of Karli and want to do to much for her.

And like you said,the kids could teach their parents alot about compassion and acceptance.



I just wanted to add this little story

When DD14 was in the 3rd grade we took her to the school fair and were standing in line for Karli to get her face painted. This guy comes up with his son (2nd grader) and looks at Karli then her wheelchair and just steps right in front of her in line . Well,before I could say anything his little boy starts pulling on his dads hand and pipes up "DAD,Karli was here FIRST" which his dad tried to ignore.....NOT happening! The boys face gets red ,he looks around and spots his mom half way across the gym and yells " MOM,TELL DAD TO STOP BEING MEAN TO KARLI!" Needless to say,dad slunk away pretty fast and we never saw him the rest of the night.

This wonderful young man is still the loudest kid in his class,and still Karli's biggest champion