Unhinged, Piece by Piece

Unhinged, Piece by Piece

By Tony DeLorger © 2011

How compliant we’ve become, how devoted we are to the ideals of social structure, even in the face of escalating failure: increasing crime, violence, substance abuse and the slow demise of the concept of family. Change is often undertaken as a slow and subtle process of which we can barely notice, until it is too late.

Given the circumstances we often need to adjust our lives to continue a productive and sustainable life, like working longer hours to keep up with the mortgage with kids in day care as a result. These socioeconomic changes have had far-reaching affects on the family unit and the development of our children.

In the past there was always a parent at home to care for the children, to guide them and present a sound and accessible role model with which to relate. Children were always supervised, kept safe and given boundaries. Now days, many children grow up in day-care centres with shared care and no definitive role models. Schoolchildren are often left at home to fend for themselves. When both parents return home, they are exhausted and often unable to focus on the needs of their children. This lack of connection and communication can cause developmental problems that can affect the children for a lifetime.

Feeling misunderstood, not loved, rejected and generally not considered can turn a normal child into a problem child, seeking attention in all the wrong ways. If not addressed, these issues can damage a child permanently and create a generation of adults that do not have respect, confidence or a consideration for society and the rules than govern it. These structural changes in society and particularly family are major contributors to the increase in violence, crime, drugs and suicide in the teenage group.

The increases in failed education, dependence on social security, depression and substance abuse have never been greater, and the cause is lack of parental supervision, lack of communication and an absence of focus on developmental needs. We are breeding a generation of people who have poor self-esteem, who have less education and because of overcompensation in a monetary sense, belief they deserve everything without effort.

As society becomes more and more difficult to maintain, and the incidence of crime approaches out of control, how and by whom will this problem be fixed? If the social structure erodes through economic circumstance, how is it possible to undo the damage? We as parent must not sacrifice our children’s future for the sake of mortgage payments, the latest flat screen or a lifestyle that on the surface benefits the family. Love, support, positive role models, a roof over their head and food in their mouths are all any child needs to grow up to be responsible and productive adults.

We as adult must reassess our goals in life and find balance in all that we do, for the sake of our children, and the people who one day will govern our society and create their future.