"Yoursay." I collated what I had written, reworked it, and here it is.
I found out recently that Peoplefinders.com has a free Google Earth search tool where you can type in any address and get a birds-eye view of the location of any sexual predators in the area. The first time I used it, I was astonished to find 7 convicted child molesters within 5 miles of my house - and my kids.
This, to me, was intolerable. So I took Google maps with these perverts addresses and pictures (from Peoplefinders) to the convenience stores in my area and put them up on the glass doors (with the owner's permission.) I wanted everyone to know who these scum were, and where they lived. Six months later there was only 1 left - today there are none. I guess you have to publicly shame these animals to get them to crawl back under the rocks from whence they came.[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=Navy]We live in what you might call a "Family Compound." There are no fences or razor wire, but each member of my family, sisters, brothers, nephews, nieces, and in-laws has their own home & plenty of room to roam - we can fish, hunt, and even swim in our own "Cement Pond." It's a safe and secluded property, but I can't let it become a prison. The kids have to interact with society at large too.
My children cannot always be in my presence, but if they are not with me, my wife, or another family member, I know where they are. Between Boy Scouts, Little League, and Football, my kids have many friends, and I make it my business to know their parents - most of whom have become good friends of my wife or mine.
[/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=Navy]My oldest boy is 16, and frequently has overnight guests on the weekends. I know the parents of these other boys, but last week, a new friend came over to spend the night at my house. Instead of just dropping his son off, the boy's father came into my house, introduced himself, and we exchanged phone numbers in case of an emergency. Now THAT is being a responsible parent.
[/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=Navy]The boys do not lack a fulfilling personal life just because I am careful about who they are with. My children have overnight guests nearly every weekend, or they are a guest at someone else's home. We go bowling, camping, biking, and hiking as a family - and nearly always have a few of their friends in tow. [/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=Navy]I go to every Boy Scout meeting with my 10-year-old son (sometimes I even teach,) and I go on every camping trip - not because I distrust anyone, but because I enjoy it. [/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=Navy] Many parents today just let their children go out and do whatever they want, with whomever they want. I do not. Those parents will get that terrible phone call in the middle of the night informing them that their child has been arrested, raped, beaten, or even killed in a car accident - drunk driving is the #1 cause of death for teens and young adults.
[/COLOR][/FONT][FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=Navy]This is where most parents lose their kids: If a parent is unconcerned regarding their child's whereabouts, tragedy could easily befall that child. Whose fault would it be? It would be the parent's fault for not taking more of an interest in their child’s safety. Children should be required to keep their parents up to speed about where they are, who they are with, and what time will they be home.[/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=Navy] I realize that I cannot protect my children from every danger in the world today, but I can take positive steps to lessen the odds that they will be hurt or killed - and so can every parent out there. Just be involved with your kids. It is not that hard, and if you do, I can guarantee a few things: You will bond with your child to a much greater degree, and they will love you for doing it - and you might even find yourself having a good tome too.
I can't remember where I read it, but one survey of teenagers asked what they wanted most from their parents. A very high percentage of the teens said they wanted Discipline, Stability, and to spend more time with their parents.
Our children are our most precious resource, and it really does not take a lot of effort to be involved in their lives. You just have to want it. Personally, I think it is much better to spend the time with your kids while you can - after all, they will not be children very long - than to get that phone call, and wish for the rest of your life that you had.[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=Navy]It is every parent’s responsibility to know where his or her kids are at all times. Children cannot make intelligent decisions when it comes to avoiding situations where they may be molested, accidentally hurt, or otherwise injured. The onus is on the parent (or another trusted adult) to make those decisions, and protect their children.
And so I always know where my kids are, who they are with, the phone number of the adult who is responsible for them, and when they will return to MY care. Kids cannot raise themselves, and anybody expecting them to is inviting disaster and heartache in one form or another.[/COLOR][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][COLOR=Navy]Unfortunately, tragedies like those that befell Adam Walsh, Jon Benet Ramsey, and Amy Smart will happen regardless of the precautions the parents take - but many adults today simply let their kids raise themselves, while they chase the almighty dollar or do whatever it is that they do. Being involved with my kids’ lives is not only part of being a responsible parent, it is a lot of fun too.
There are just a few common sense rules that guide my actions as a parent - and if by my posts, other parents can see how easy, and happy, their lives and the lives of their children can be, then I have done my job to spread the word.[/COLOR][/FONT]
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Dumpster Diving
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