A Voice In Ramah

Children deserve safety and our protection. All children. Everywhere.

I’m spending this day with my family and community. It’s not “Thanksgiving” for me – it’s “we have the day off so we are going to enjoy each other” day. 

If you have children be coming to your home, it’s your responsibility to protect them.  You are the designated adult so be sober.

They don’t have to hug Uncle Junior.

They don’t have to kiss Aunt Trudy.

They don’t have to let cousin Will tickle them.

They don’t have sit on Mr. Peter’s lap.

They don’t have to dance and entertain your friends.

Let their No be No.

You are the adult and it’s your responsibility to protect the children.

Watch for eyes that don’t match the smiles on their faces around certain adults and handle your responsibility to keep these children physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe. 

And for the beloved little bitties who want to take you to task because “we family” or hit you with “you gon take that child’s word over mine?!” – decide real quick if it’s more important to you that they have their way or if it matters that a child is protected. Because you do have to make a choice, and your choice needs to be the child. 

I know you can enjoy yourself and create memories with loved ones without sacrificing your child’s well-being. And if you don’t think you can, edit that guest list right now even at this late hour or cancel that thing altogether.

It’s your house.

Do something else.

When you have a moment, check out the folks over at Darkness to Light (yeah, I know. The name. Whatever, just use the resources – they are SOLID!)