Daughter returns to NIU campus
Today, we (reluctantly) said goodbye to our daughter. This wasn't the first time our mouths said goodbye, but our hearts wanted to take her in our arms and keep her safe.
Her first day of kindergarten, her first sleepover, her first time driving alone were all stressful times for us.
But this was a first we never imagined.
Today, we brought our freshman daughter back to NIU. Back to try to heal from something she should have never had to deal with.
The joy and excitement we saw on the students' faces on move-in day were replaced by somber sad stares. The cheerful greetings and silly banter were replaced by children who were silent, grieving and bewildered.
One person caused this. As a parent who is now watching her child move forward and try to deal with fear, sadness, loss and despair, I ask all parents to take responsibility for their children.
If you see them do something wrong, have them take ownership of it. Allow your children to fail and accept the consequences.
Do not blame everything and everyone else for their wrongdoings. Accept and welcome help if they need it. Do not be an enabler. They may be your little boy or girl, but they live in our community. They go to our children's schools. They are our neighbors. Their lives affect our lives.
Children need their parents throughout their entire lives. Do not stop parenting.
Love them. Support them. Guide them.
Patti Czarnik
Des Plaines