The last days of summer come with a special sense of melancholy. Little by little, days become
shorter and afternoon shadows longer. It’s a mad dash to squeeze in one last camping trip. Kids
are off to the county fair with market and show animals. Before we know it, the big yellow buses
are back, football practice starts, and school is in session.

Transitions are hard. Change isn’t easy and that goes for adults and kids, alike. I remember
feeling exhilarated with the anticipation of a new school year. It even had its own
smell…Number 2 pencils and freshly waxed gym floors. I also recall the anxiety of hoping to be
included and accepted, that I had the right clothes and could juggle academic and social
demands.

Being a kid today is really hard. When I was a kid, we had the luxury of making mistakes in
private. Now, everything is captured on an iPhone and shared on Snapchat. If someone wanted
to gossip or talk behind your back it was done in person or through a hastily passed note in the
hallway. Today, rumors spread like wildfire and embarrassment is on display online for the world
to watch.

There is a constant-ness for young people today that didn’t exist decades ago. Back in the day,
we couldn’t wait to get to school to talk about last night’s episode of Beverly Hills 90210. Today,
its all done in real-time through text—24 hours a day, 365 day a year. School shootings and
“swatting” were not a thing.

All of this is exhausting. I have adrenal fatigue just writing about it. Naturally, with these types of
stressors kids are going to experience heightened anxiety and greater instances of depression.
I have two children, 17 and 14. They are probably horrified by me, as most teens are of their
parents. For years I have sent them out the door with the following affirmation (apologies for the
profanity), “Learn something and don’t be an asshole! I love you!” What I was really saying was,
“be kind”.

It’s tough out there for young people and parents. We were raised in a world that doesn’t exist
anymore so to apply the same parenting techniques we were raised with doesn’t always
translate. In light of that, I aim to keep it simple. My hope for all children is that they are kind to
themselves and others and receive kindness in return. Kindness begets kindness. Let’s start a
revolution! Give each other a little extra grace in the weeks ahead.

~Ginny

When it’s all said and done…. listen to Compass by Lady A!