Kansas City Mayor Q Hopes Mentoring Relieves Metro 'Youth Violence' Surge

Actually, this isn't such a horrible sentiment and recent words from Mayor Q encourage parents, family and adults to engage youth in a way more meaningful than any government program could accomplish. 

Check-it . . . 

Each child is unique, and government, the school, or some outside party can only provide so much to things that are individual to each child. 

People often say, 'they've got nothing to do.'  That's not right. Assuming you don't like things like Mayor's Night Hoops (kicks, dancing, gaming, etc.), private venues and local festivals do exist.  We lose more of them when crowds get out of control. Daytime activities are also worthwhile--we've got free activities through our parks system, reduced costs at pools. We are trying to ensure there's something for everyone.  We need parents to explore all the options--and write me if something's too costly.  We can address it!  And, no, a 4AM shooting is never explained by 'kids need something to do.' 

Please do talk to your kids about their emotions and how they handle conflict.  

Many of us come from messy situations and have messy situations of our own.  We're human.  That's okay.  That also doesn't mean, whether you are a parent who sees your child rarely or one who is working a lot, that you're not still vital and important and that you can't instill in them respect for themselves and others.  Firing a gun to solve a fight in a crowd of dozens, acting a fool at a summer festival, heck, loudly and recklessly stunt driving through a pedestrian-filled area, shows little respect for one's self or folks around them. We're dealing with a respect issue. We need to instill it in them. 

Does society need to improve for all? Yes.  Do we need guns off the streets?  Yes.  Do we need better economic opportunity for all? Yes.  Many of us have committed our lives to these goals and, I know, are still incomplete on our efforts. 
 
But, we also need to just love on our kids . . . 

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Mayor Q on FB: "About our kids, particularly our teenagers. Like us, they're imperfect, but most are exceptional, talented, curious, and in need of our mentorship and guidance."