How does one encourage the idea of independence to young adults when the world has gone completely crazy? Seriously, like what is going on outchea? Black and brown kids are disappearing at alarming rates. The reality of sex trafficking is becoming increasingly real because this shit is hitting close to home now. Everyday, I see postings of missing girls or pleadings from parents who have witnessed creep behavior from old nasty ass men. Not to mention all of the crime and violence happening to our kids. #DISTEWMUCH
While all of this craziness has been happening, Tony and Ashley have been catching public transportation to and from school daily, and my oldest niece Jazzy is ALL THE WAY in California in college. This should be a time when they are learning independence and learning how to figure things out on their own. However, the chances nasty creepy men snatching them up or being the victims of other crimes has increased dramatically. Plus, almost everyday, Tony lets me know of someone he knows being robbed on the bus stop on the way home from school. Like, what the hell?!
This is not good especially since Ashley is a bit challenged in the “street smarts” category, and Jazzy is catching Ubers alone on the other side of the damn country. I’m really trying to figure out what I need to do to protect them. I’ve informed them of everything that’s been happening with these disappearances. I have also ingrained the fact they need to be fully aware of their surroundings and walk these streets with a friend. They also have cell phones so we can remain in contact throughout the day if need be. Is that even enough though?
Now that I’m working from home, I feel like I need to start driving my niece and nephew to and from school, which will take away their opportunity to solve problems when they’re not in my presence. But then again, I know they’ll be safe. I also feel like I need to mandate at least two phone calls from Jazzy a day, which is a lot because she can be irky (LOL), but at least I’ll know she’s okay.
It’s crazy because when I was coming up, I don’t recall things being this bad. Of course, my friends and I witnessed things that forced us to be vigilant, but I don’t recall folk just blatantly snatching girls and robbing people in broad daylight with others around. Maybe it’s social media that bringing individual situations to light more and more so it seems prevalent. I don’t know.
What I do know is, I will do whatever I feel is necessary to protect my kids, but I also need to start being aware of what’s happening to other kids. We as a community really have to let go of that “me and mine” or “it’s not my business, so…” mentality. This is really the only way to prevent this madness from destroying our communities any further.
Just my thoughts early on a Sunday morning.
Be safe fam.
The post What Is Going On Outchea? I’m Scared for Our Kids appeared first on SincerelyCrys.
