Americans were shocked when a mob of 400 Brooklyn teenagers ransacked and looted a shopping mall. We shake our heads in disbelief as youths 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 the child.

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

The single greatest threat to children’s futures is not teaching them how to discover inner strength. If parents don’t listen and stop abusive behavior at home, youth can become socially isolated and struggle in school. (30% of teens drop out of high school.) Disconnected teens may shut down their consciousness 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 for children to become balanced and spiritually 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, youth can develop the 3 Cs: courage, character, and conscientiousness. “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 oneself, feel remorse, distinguish right from wrong, handle 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 to push back against 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, religious 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 the children fight alone! We must speak up, support families, and come together as concerned community members to protect 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 necessary to keep them safe and healthy.