A smelly situation

 

                                                                     Peanuts                  

The other day, a bus driver, brought up (on the famous "Uncensored group" online), the topic of children smelling bad from weed when they get on the bus, saying that you can see it is embarrassing for the children, as other kids notice it. The driver pleaded with parents to rectify this problem.

I didn't realize what a problem it was today. Others in the online thread spoke of children getting nicknames, as one adult recalled being called "ashtray" as a kid because their parents smoked cigarettes.

One person described a parent coming to a Halloween party for their small child's class, so high they could hardly function.

Naturally, the discussion turned to the issue of marijuana vs cigarettes vs alcohol. Some assumed parents were doing these things in front of their school-age children, while others defensively pointed out that maybe the children just lived in a smoking household and wore clothes that smelled.

There were a ton of people contributing on the thread, so this must have really touched a nerve. 

When you get down to it, although we cannot control what other people do, especially legally, in their own homes, I believe it is important for parents to realize how their children are affected by their behavior.

You may never realize that your child is being made fun of at school. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to ask them.

Of course, proactively, maybe you could consider changing your own habits so that your children do not have to endure ridicule, when the social aspects of school can be tough enough already.

The person complaining online was a bus driver. I wonder if teachers have the same experience. 

Is this a problem today? Is there any reasonable solution that could help children?

Janet Cassidy
Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

janetcassidy.com
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/
https://www.youtube.com/@janetcassidy

 

 

 

Just a friendly group?

 

 

I belong to a community group on Facebook where people might ask for recommendations for doctors, therapists, restaurants or the best places to vacation.  They might ask about the best schools (when they are new to the community.)

Sometimes, the information can be helpful, but too often the comments turn very dark and ugly, judgmental and insulting.

Why do I keep the thread? Because sometimes, like I said, they make good suggestions. The idea is supposed to be neighbors helping neighbors, and when they do, it is a good reminder that some people are very kind and extremely generous.

But, sadly, the conversation frequently goes off-track, fast, by a handful of hateful people.

For instance, you might ask a simple question, like "Is there someone that could help me move? I'll pay them," and before you know it, you get an angry rant about how (pick your political party) is responsible for all of our problems.

I'm not kidding. You might have a lost puppy and you could get an earful about why you have been neglectful and allowed your dog to wander.

It's ridiculous.

There doesn't have to be a logical bridge for the topic to change, either.

It can get really bad.

Whatever the reason, I'd like to make a plea. If you need to be mean online, or elsewhere, please stop. Just stop. For while you are tapping away at your keyboard, consider that you could be pushing someone over the edge on a day when they are very vulnerable and very much in need.

Some people honestly seek community support, insight or even friendship. They may come to the "Uncensored Group" because they are in need and do not have family or friends to turn to, like maybe you do.

They shouldn't be chastised for reaching out. 

Be kind.

Janet Cassidy
Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

janetcassidy.com
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/
https://www.youtube.com/@janetcassidy

Public Service - The West Wing

 

I am STILL working my way through the book "What's Next?" about "The West Wing" television series.  It's really long and this is the second time I had to borrow it from the library.

The thing that most surprised me about this book--that I absolutely missed when watching the series--is that "the West Wing" was about service. (Apparently the phrase "What's Next?" was also prominently used throughout the series, which is why the book is so aptly named. I can see it now as I re-watch it, but I missed it the first time around.)

A lot of the characters in the show were created to highlight what a good, moral, approach to public service can look like.

The thread throughout the book is strong, as well, and it highlights the service interests of the actual actors. In fact, the actors interact with each other outside of work, dedicating personal time and energy to each other's particular charities and causes.

This got me to thinking. If there is one thing we can do to make this world a better place, it is to get involved with an organization whose cause we support.

You might want to consider becoming part of the volunteer workforce, which makes such a difference in our communities. They impact policies, --and lives--all because good people care.

Let's set about making our country better today, however we can, wherever we are.

Janet Cassidy
Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

janetcassidy.com
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/
https://www.youtube.com/@janetcassidy