Greetings, Northside Neighbors,

Summer means many things, including summer break with more free time for most of our youth in Madison. Let’s reflect a moment together about youth, including our own. In 1931 George Bernard Shaw was quoted saying, “Youth is the most beautiful thing in this world — and what a pity it has to be wasted on children.”  Whatever your interpretation of this statement and what Shaw meant, I want to highlight the beginning that speaks to the beauty of youth.  I imagine most of you reading this column are over 18.  Each one of us began as babies when we rather helplessly entered the world and passed through the stages of development unto adulthood. Of all that could be said about this experience of being children, I want to emphasize a couple things. First, relationships are vitally important in what growing up entails for every young person. Our relationships significantly impact who we each become. Kids don’t choose their primary relationships at first. Second, I am sure all of us while growing up, made some very foolish and immature choices along the way. Please pause and take time to remember two or three of the most foolish and poor choices you made when you were young. Now consider the consequences of those actions at the time, what they were and could have been. Finally consider if a young person today made those same choices. What consequences do you think and feel would be appropriate, including if the youth looks different than you? Every young person will make immature choices and all need supportive relationships to help them grow up well.  Let’s extend grace and understanding to the youth in our community. I’m not saying no consequences or discipline is ever appropriate or needed, just that healthy relationships are essential.