A Teaching Moment On The Sidewalk

To the Editor:

Yesterday (October 23) at about 4 pm my two young children and I attempted to walk along the sidewalk from Dunkin’ Donuts to CVS. I say “attempted” because we had to find our way through a group of teenagers hanging out on and around the narrow sidewalk in front of CVS. The worst part was having to make our way around one boy who was lying on his back, with a girl astride him sitting atop his “privates” as she was bending over giving him kisses. I can’t imagine any parent would be proud of his or her teen daughter making such a public sexual display.

In an attempt to use this negative situation as a learning moment for my children I told them, “This is an example of what you won’t be doing when you’re a teenager. If you find you have nothing better to do, your father and I will be happy to find things to keep you busy.”

As we left CVS, I was glad to see the girl was off of the boy. However, the boy was still sprawled, blocking the sidewalk, so I stopped and said, “Excuse me.” “Sorry,” he said as he moved his legs so we could get by. Perhaps there’s hope. Perhaps these kids are not “bad” kids. Perhaps if they start getting the parental guidance and supervision they appear to be lacking (and probably secretly desiring), it’s not too late to help prevent them from becoming “bad” or troubled adults.

Parents, it’s 4 pm. Do you know where your children are?

Sincerely,

Cathy Reiss

42 Obtuse Road, Newtown                                         October 25, 2007