Steer kids away from becoming #MeToo offenders

THE EDITOR, Sir:

DURING A recent discussion on the widely publicised #MeToo revelations up north, my friend asked questions surrounding the delayed accusations, and posited that the alleged violations occurred in the prime of some of the offenders’ youth – a time of ‘mixed-up moods and attitudes’. If the allegations are true, each victim knows the depth of the scars experienced.

Here’s a now opportunity for parents to teach their children age-appropriate self-control, to guard against a misplaced sense of entitlement. Another important lesson is to develop an open and trusting relationship that encourages children to share attempted or actual abuse with their parents (or other trusted adults). Wise actions should bring early healing to the victim and correction for the offender.

Citing references or comparisons can be subjective, but I doubt anyone would respond to such traumatic violations in the same way in which he/she would thoughtfully and eloquently plan and prescribe, had he/she unfortunately been the victim.

Looking in from the outside comes with the wonderful benefits of clarity of thought and sound reasoning.

Parents, do your part to guide your children away from being offenders. No offender, no victim. For those of us who accept the teachings of the Bible, Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Yes, forgiveness is still an option, and it releases the forgiver beneficially, too.