Show us more good kids

Show us more 'good' kids

More and more these days the headlines on the front page of the newspaper show the world that troubled youth is everywhere. For the most part it is on the back pages we see the kids who are actually making a difference in a positive way by being leaders on the playground, in the community and in the world. With an intense focus on the negative, slowly people are starting to realize that something needs to change in society. Perhaps the stories of fundraising, volunteering and goodwill would set a good example for the children who don't always make the right decisions in life.

A lot of times there is no stronger influence on a child's behaviour than that of his or her peers. With the tsunami donations in December, the national spelling competitions this spring, and humanitarian awards ceremonies this week, these are the types of events that should help to positively motivate tomorrow's generation. I'm sure we've all seen the faces on the children who have been able to help the community in a positive way and be recognized for it. What's more, is that these young faces aren't making these mature and responsible efforts for selfish reasons. They believe, nay, the know, that their contributions, no matter how big or small, are helping make a difference in the world. How many adults do you know that only make a donation when there is a tax receipt involved? I know quite a few.

Nothing makes parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, politicians, educators, police officers, community leaders (the list can go on forever) happier or more proud than seeing a youngster help others, knowing they are helping the community..

What doesn't make these people brag about a child is the headline from when a youngster makes a wrong decision and ends up doing something bad. I'm not saying crime stories shouldn't be reported, but the extensive coverage and analysis the event gets may often lead to an inflated ego for the child knowing he or she has "made the paper" and had their 15 minutes of fame. Good or bad, we know that children love attention. But the positive attention for doing good things may be enough motivation for a child to get his or her act together.

So pretty soon when I get the morning paper I may start opening it from the back and read to the front so that I don't start off the day with troublesome and disturbing news. But to those kids hidden away on the back pages -- Keep up the good work!