Seriously.

I have something to say and I want everyone to listen to me because this is important. Children need to be loved. Children need to be cared for and nurtured. Children need to be taught right from wrong. And children need to be happy. After spending every day of the past six months with 20 ten year olds, I have learned one very important thing that stands out from everything else. Children notice and imitate those around them. Older siblings do not realize that their little brothers and sister idolize them and will do anything to become the same person. Parents do not understand that their children want to grow up and be like mommy and daddy. Friends don't notice that kids pick up their same habits and behaviors. Trust me when I tell you that these children are perceptive. They hear you when you say they aren't smart enough, or talented enough. They see you when you're smoking weed and getting drunk. They notice when you disrespect and make fun of others. They notice, and they follow suit. Which is scary, and dangerous, and not okay. And kids need good solid examples in their lives, and they need heros. And everyone needs to step up because these kids matter, and because I love them.