LAYOFFS: Beware the ripple effect

"Mr. K" (Don Kotschevar), one of my favorite high school teachers, has it right: The kids are affected greatly by the results of community layoffs. The ripple effect to the kids is nearly immediate and it's heartbreaking to me. It's a very confusing time for a kid and can be a lonely place to be. Kids seem to be caught off guard that their family situation can distress them so much, and feelings can become muddled because distress is all around them. The situation is confusing and lonely.

I'd like to see kids being validated and supported. I'd like them to be encouraged to remain true to their hunches and seek joy. What a wonderful time to develop your internal compass and compassion.

What makes it worse? Constant reinforcement by those with an adamant belief that every community member is a victim and everyone has been "done to." This drives further community depression which most certainly affects the most perceptive population: The kids.

When this dark cloud feeling is sustained, many kids take ownership of this feeling and wonder if that's a part of who they are inside. I believe there is hopeful optimism for them. I believe in giving the kids a fair chance.

Thank you Margie Todd for your comments in the article; for encouraging our community to remain positive and supportive while we do our best to weather this and pull through. You're right: Many natives come back home to work.

DENNA GRANGAARD

Hayden