Americans were shocked when a mob of 400 Brooklyn teenagers looted and looted a shopping mall. We shake our heads in disbelief when young people kill their classmates and run over strangers in the street. The fact is… destructive behavior will continue if we don’t understand what happens to children.

Neglecting children or controlling them with humiliation, hitting, insults or threats can create fear, anger and resentment. When parents don’t pay attention to a child’s emotional needs, they are making life difficult for them.

Parents involved in constant conflict, domestic violence, and child abuse make life “hell.” Children are thrown out of their emotional center and can become bullies or easy victims. They may seek relief through drugs, inflicting pain on others or on themselves.

The single greatest threat to children’s futures is not teaching them how to discover inner strength. If parents do not listen and stop abusive behavior at home, youth may become socially isolated and have difficulty in school. (30% of teens drop out of high school.) Disconnected teens may close their conscience and engage in destructive behavior with little remorse or empathy for others.

Education is important. However, equally important is the emotional development of the child so that he does not bully or become a victim and isolate himself. When children become self-aware, they develop healthy friendships and experience success in school. A loved child becomes a caring adult.

Lack of self-awareness is the biggest social problem facing Americans today. Children need love, discipline, and support from spiritually centered adults to prevent addictions, mental health problems, and/or violent behavior.

We cannot legislate values, character or morality. It is up to parents, teachers, and the adult community to create safe homes, schools, and neighborhoods so that children become spiritually balanced and centered.

What is a spiritually centered child?

All humans are spiritual beings with powerful instincts, intuition, and self-protective awareness. However, children need to see healthy role models in order to grow up strong and resilient.

Every child is born with gifts and talents to discover. With the support of family, extended family, friends, neighbors, and teachers, young people can develop the 3 Cs: courage, character, and conscience. “Courage” gives children the confidence to stand up for themselves, walk away from trouble, and learn from mistakes. “Character” is the process of developing self-discipline, resilience, honesty, patience, and empathy. “Conscience” is the ability to control yourself, feel remorse, know right from wrong, manage anger calmly, and forgive others.

These attributes help children reach their potential no matter what is going on around them. Trusting their instincts and intuition (inner spirit and wisdom) gives children the emotional tools to develop self-awareness in order to reject negative influences.

Eighty-four percent of Americans believe in a higher power. Children do not have to attend church or synagogue to be spiritually centered. However, faith-based groups that strengthen families provide healthy role models and mentors for children as they learn the power of self-discipline, reflection, and how to modify their behavior. Religious organizations support a “family” of people who care about emotional (spiritual) development.

We can no longer remain silent while children fight alone! We must speak up, support families, and come together as community members concerned about protecting children!

When Americans work together, we will see positive change. Spiritually centered children can handle bullies and other challenges if they have the love and support they need to keep them safe and healthy.