Protecting Children

 

 Photo Credit: Vecteezy                           

 

We were watching the morning news and there was a clip of two young boys who learned that their favorite football player was being traded to another team.

The father recorded them as he told them about the trade, and the one little boy, devastated to hear the news, fell apart, letting out a big cry and stomping his feet.

The story ended on a happy note as they received shirts from their favorite player, from his new team. 

I didn't think much of it, but my husband reacted as I have heard him react before. I always appreciate his sensitive Dad perspective.

He observed that not only did the Dad record his son, most likely knowing how devastated he would be, but that the recording made its way to the public.

"What was the point of the Dad doing that?" my husband asked. I have to admit he was right. 

Now, as my husband pointed out, this little boy's terrible moment was published online for all the world to see, and then, it made its way to the national morning news show, which gave it even more traction.

We have always been protective of our kids' image and information being made public. I suppose most people would laugh at the little boy's reaction, but when you think about it, it really wasn't very nice that it was recorded and made public.

Would you want one of your worst moments recorded and published? 

As parents, we need to be responsible when it comes to our children. I have watched parents over the years laugh when their kids curse or are sassy, but that just encourages them.

At some point, most little kids say and do inappropriate stuff that make their parents laugh, but rather than encourage their behavior, it is best to just quietly laugh to yourself if you simply can't resist.

But record it for others to publicly see it? I don't think so.

It really doesn't matter if someone is 9 or 90, there is still such a thing as personal dignity. We have become a society where another's faux pas is an acceptable thing to be shared with all.

Parents, keep your kids' image offline. Don't share things that can potentially embarrass them--no matter how funny or cute you think they are. Teach them to respect themselves and others. Don't set them up so others will laugh at their expense. 

Again, respect their image and information, always.

It is painful (and shameful) when parents allow their children to be a punchline. 

Many of us may not think twice about a story like the one we saw on the news, being so desensitized to it as we are. I am so grateful that there are still dads in this world who understand that part of their role is to defend and protect children from being exploited. 

Janet Cassidy

Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

"A Soul Transformed by Christ"

 

 

Are you interested in the idea of emptying yourself so that you are able to be filled with God?

How can we be transformed and move away from our own self-interest?

This fascinating interview by one of my favorite Catholic speakers, Matthew Leonard, and Father Wayne Sattler, will have you both inspired and motivated.

It's short, only about 7 minutes long, but well worth your time.

Enjoy!

Janet Cassidy

Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

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

Here is the direct link to the interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPCmS_BGg-I 

 

 

Living to die

 

 

Photo Credit:  Tattoos Wizard Designs

 

I recently watched an interview with Jonathan Roumie ("The Chosen") and learned that he carries with him a reminder of death.

Known by the Latin phrase "memento mori" which means "remember death," the skull ring he carries doesn't reveal some strange obsession with death, but a reminder that we will all die someday and this should  direct how we live. 

In the Catholic tradition, this month especially, we call to mind and pray for our loved ones who have died. We visit cemeteries and remember the dead often.

I seem to be reminded of death everywhere I look lately. I am reminded of the shortness of our life here and the blessed, endless length of eternity. We do not need to be afraid of death, as the life and resurrection of Jesus shows us. 

I've heard it said that most people are not afraid of death, but of dying. There is a tendency to fear the process that gets us there. We fear the grief and the possibility of enduring pain. Saying goodbye to our loved ones, if given the opportunity.

In the midst of all of this, I came across a video by two of my favorite podcasters--Dawn Hausmann and Karen Ervin.

Recently, they posted on Facebook a great reminder that as we watch our seasons change--from fall into winter--the beauty of the earth reflects "movements of change that happen in creation." That "All Saints Day and All Souls Day is the change from this life into heavenly life."

If you are on Facebook, be sure to check them out.

As we move into November, cherish the beauty of today as you anticipate tomorrow, but most of all, fear not!

Janet Cassidy

Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

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