Most of us have forgotten the many challenges of being a child. We get immersed in our own day to day existence, goals and aspirations and the tide carries us forward. What is really important to us and our families gets lost or replaced by the urgency of the moment, the job or the day. Investing time with young people is likely the only way to bring us back toward our “true north.”
Margie will be five in May. Although, I could argue both granddaughters are nearly perfect, that may not be a totally unbiased assessment. That said, she is a loving kid who gives the best hugs and is generally happy. This week I was told this story which prompted my message. In her day care class there is a boy who seems to enjoy teasing her, calling her names, and just generally being irritating. That sounds like most little boys I know and could be that he is just vying for her attention. Margie confessed to her mother that his behavior got the best of her and she had thrown a snowball at him. One of the teachers observed this retaliation and Margie was placed in “time out”. The next morning, a tearful Margie confessed her transgression to her mother. The main concern was what a disappointment that would be to mom. Margie is lucky to have someone she can trust and whose support is informed and unfailing.
I sat next to another young parent at an event and she was telling me about her 4 year old who had retaliated against a student who was bullying her. I also have a good friend who told me this week about her son who lives with the dangers related to depression. The concerns around the mental health of Idaho’s students is not new but it appears the pandemic has had a very negative impact. In a recent Idaho Education news article written by Dr. Megan Haughton she describes her experience during the pandemic. “I have seen that Idaho kids have not been faring well. In fact, the trends are alarming. I have witnessed the rates of emergency room visits and hospitalizations for depression, aggressive behavior and suicidal ideation increase….. Nearly one in five Idaho teens experienced major depression in the last year, and two-thirds of those teens received no treatment at all.” A resolution in the Idaho legislature highlights the impacts of mental health issues, it does not fund the improved access that is a critical need. Idaho must dramatically accelerate investment in mental health prevention and treatment.
Part of the $600 million Idaho’s tax rebate and tax cut would have been well spent on mental health issues, property tax reduction, infrastructure and grocery tax relief. I realize the primary elections are just around the corner and thoughts turn to getting re-elected. A large tax bill and continued discussion around election security and critical race theory are believed to be winning politician positions. I am going to propose a “time out” for all legislature issues that are solutions to issues that are not problems.
Thanks to the teachers who are the front line of education and to the health care workers who are tirelessly devoted to our service. Hats off to those in elected positions who focus on getting it right, representing their constituents, and throw caution to the wind on re election. Take good care. Mike
Time Out
