Should I get Involved?

I have heard well meaning adults say this on many occasions.  "I don't get involved when my children have relationship problems because I believe they should just work it out on their own." I thought long and hard about this and decided I personally did not support this approach to working with young people.

The reason I chose not to practice this style of care giving was because I believe that until a child or young person has the skills to manage problems on their own, they need adult coaching and supervision.  They weren't born knowing how to deal with people issues.  I would not leave a child on their own at a lake, fire pit, with kitchen knives, with the car or boat.  Why, because they could get hurt.

Most adults would not stand by and do nothing if they saw a child running out in the street, drinking glue, or throwing rocks at cars from a bridge.  Why? Because their behavior is destructive and someone could get hurt. So I ask, why would adults want to leave children on their own to work out problems with people?  I believe that as adults, we are responsible to teach our young people to care, show respect and compassion towards others.

I believe that we can model this to all ages of people by being a good example, modeling good leadership, treating people with respect, asking questions, exploring options, and helping with conflict resolution.