RECENTLY we celebrated Seniors Week, recognising the elders of our community and acknowledging them for their contribution to our society.
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This week is Youth Week.
This gives us an opportunity to look at the other end of the spectrum and acknowledge the hopes and the promise that this generation of Australians can and will contribute for the wellbeing of our country.
We read and hear in the media of the achievements and accomplishments of some exemplary young men and women.
They contribute time and talent to good causes, they accept positions of leadership and responsibility in their schools, and they achieve great results on the sporting fields.
Sadly also, we hear of other young people who seem to have fallen off the pathway to a good and useful future, become engaged in abuse of drugs and alcohol, and taken up a life of crime and violence.
There are lots of programs aimed at assisting these young people to turn their lives around, and most schools have student councillors who can offer a helping hand.
However, it is right in the heart of the family and extended family that the seeds for good and evil are planted and nurtured.
No one wants a return to the dark ages, but things like moral values and acceptable living practices are more often caught than taught.
Parenting must be one of the most challenging and awesome vocations in life, and many young parents find it so hard to recognise the sacrifices they will be called upon to make when they take on the rights and responsibilities of parenthood.
It’s no good telling youngsters to treat others with respect if they don’t experience it, or to keep off the drugs or the drink if they’re all around them.
Congratulations to all those parents who are valuable role models!
May this holiday time be crime free, drug and alcohol free, and may all our families have a happy relaxed and refreshing time.