2 of 6

Write now Article Tools

These days it is not a surprise to see childcare and youth programs full of kids. Many of these kids come from families where both of the parents work. Caregivers, teachers, nannies, and other youth workers are essentially raising children that come from those families. In other cases, kid's own peers are "raising" them. They spend most of their time with friends if not with adults, trusted to take care of themselves until one of the parents arrives home from work. What I see is that many kids spend a good deal of their time, alone.
When I say alone, I mean without their parents or anyone from their family. The parents may spend some time with their kids, or perhaps take them on a long vacation every now and then, but for the most part they are absent from their child's life.

My parent's divorced when I was 12. After this separation, my mom went back to work. Up until then she had been working primarily from home, with her own side businesses. Suddenly, as if my world hadn't been turned upside down enough already, my mom (and dad) disappeared. I can look back now and see that my mom has come a long way as a single mother, working as hard as she could for us. I have a lot of respect for single mothers in these positions.
While my mom was working, I spent most of my time alone. I made my own meals, did my laundry, cleaned the house, took care of my younger sister and took care of our animals (including horses). This pattern went on through high school, as I basically raised myself from age 12 until I left home at age 18. Granted, my parents still took care my sister and I, providing all of our physical needs. But when it came to emotional needs, I was left wanting.
I see a similar yearning within the eyes of youth today. For many, their parents are caught up in work, with meetings, presentations and business trips. Some of these families can only get by with two incomes, so both parents must work to make ends meet. Yet in the community we live in, it often appears to me this does not seem to be the case. Kids find their longings for love temporarily satisfied with expensive electronics and toys. Teens look to relationships with their peers, or relationships with the opposite sex, to fill their void inside. Some adolescents turn to other substances, such as alcohol or drugs. When parents are absent, no matter what the circumstances, a deep void grows inside a young person.
I know elementary age kids who attach themselves quickly and easily to older

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about The importance of parental involvement in children's lives?
We want to hear your view. Write now!