Over the past few weeks, news headlines have been monopolized by the Jeffrey Epstein case—a multi-millionaire accused of sex trafficking under-aged girls. Since Epstein’s death in prison last week, the case has been closed, but the investigation is ongoing.
The Jeffrey Epstein Case Reminds Us That Good Parents Are Needed Now More Than Ever
Over the past few weeks, news headlines have been monopolized by the Jeffrey Epstein case—a multi-millionaire accused of sex trafficking under-aged girls. Since Epstein’s death in prison last week, the case has been closed, but the investigation is ongoing.
Whenever a disturbing story like this one, where young girls are the victims, goes viral, it strikes fear in parents’ hearts. It reminds them that the world is a scary place and that people in power can use their influence for evil and children may be the target.
But instead of letting this story drive you into to worry and despair, what if you used this as an opportunity to remember the influence and power you do have over your child’s life, and, in turn, the influence your child could have on others one day?
For the dads…
Your presence in your child’s life means more than you know. Just by being around them, you make your children feel safe, even when they are teenagers. This might sound trite, but it is quite important. Our ultimate goal as parents is to help children make their own way and live independently, but developmentally, children have a need to feel safe.
When they see their father protect them, they believe that they are worth protecting. When a daughter hears her father tell a guy who wants to date her “no”, she feels good about herself. (On the surface, she will appear furious, but down deep, she feels loved.) In fact, having a present father decreases a girl’s chances of getting taken into sex trafficking because girls feel safe, and in fact are safer, when their fathers are around.
Being with you is your child’s best safeguard against the “big” troubles in life. That’s right. Children who live with their fathers are at lower risk for drinking, being sexually active, depressed or getting into trouble at school. The flip side is this: living with you helps your children get better grades, have higher self-esteem, be happier and be less anxious to name a few. The bottom line is, you are great for your kids.