The Whitsdom Press

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  • Homelessness in America: The Working Poor and Rising Struggles

    Homelessness is not just about people without jobs anymore. Across America, more full-time workers, college students, and families are finding themselves without stable housing. The rise in rent, high cost of food, and wages that do not match today’s living expenses have pushed many into a crisis.

    Some are sleeping in cars. Others stay in shelters or move from couch to couch with friends. For many, it is not about being lazy or unwilling to work. It is about the math not adding up—when the paycheck cannot cover rent, bills, and food at the same time.

    How People End Up Homeless

    There are several reasons why people who are working or in school end up without a home:

    • Wages are too low. Many people work full-time, yet their paychecks cannot cover rising housing costs.
    • College costs. Students spend money on tuition and books, leaving little for housing. Some choose to sleep in their cars to stay in school.
    • High rents. In most cities, rent has gone up faster than income. Families often have to choose between paying rent and other needs like food or medicine.

    Homelessness today is not always about unemployment—it is about the economy not keeping people secure, even when they are doing “everything right.”

    Laws That Make Life Harder

    Instead of solving homelessness, some laws make life harder for people who already have nowhere to go. Many cities have passed rules against sleeping in cars, camping in public, or resting on sidewalks.

    In Los Angeles, it is illegal to live in your car near homes, schools, or parks. In Houston, sleeping on certain sidewalks can lead to a fine of up to $500. San Francisco has placed time limits on RV parking, even though hundreds of people live in them.

    These laws often punish people instead of helping them. For someone already struggling, a ticket or fine can make it even harder to get back on their feet.

    Government Efforts

    The federal government and some states are trying to fight homelessness through programs like Housing First, which focuses on giving people a home before addressing other needs like health or employment. Billions of dollars have been set aside for housing and shelter programs.

    Still, the need is greater than the support. In 2024, more than 771,000 people were homeless on a single night, the highest number recorded in the U.S. The programs help, but many families, students, and workers fall through the cracks because affordable housing is simply not available.

    Why Awareness Matters

    Homelessness looks different today than it did years ago. It could be the cashier at your grocery store, the nurse who cares for you, or the student in your child’s class. Many are working, learning, and contributing to society, yet they are living without a stable place to call home.

    The problem is not just personal—it is a community issue. When laws criminalize homelessness instead of offering solutions, people end up stuck in a cycle that is harder to escape.

    ✅ Key Takeaways

    IssueSummary
    Homelessness is risingOver 771,000 people were homeless in 2024, the highest in U.S. history.
    The working poor are at riskFull-time workers and college students are now living in cars or shelters.
    Laws make it harderCities fine people for sleeping in cars or public spaces, worsening the struggle.
    Programs exist but fall shortHousing First and HUD programs help, but not enough homes are available.
    It affects everyoneTeachers, nurses, retail workers, and students are part of today’s homeless population.
    Solutions are possibleAffordable housing, higher wages, and supportive laws can make real change.

  • OPINION: America is Crashing Out

    September 2025 has been a lot. Every time you turn on the news, it seems like there’s been another tragedy, another act of mass violence that leaves us all shaking our heads and holding our loved ones a little tighter. From Michigan to Colorado, communities are being torn apart.

    In September, we’ve seen a wave of violence across the country. There was an incident in Michigan involving Thomas Sanford. Another in North Carolina linked to Nigel Edge. Situations unfolded in Dallas with Joshua Jahn, in New Hampshire with Hunter Nadeau, in Pennsylvania with Matthew Ruth, in Utah with Tyler Robinson, and in Colorado with Desmond Holly. These events, one after another, show a crisis that is national.

    When we look at who’s carrying out these worst attacks—the ones that stop the whole nation in its tracks—we know the truth. It is not us. The faces on the news for these large-scale tragedies are almost never Black faces. Let’s be real about that.

    This is where the conversation about common-sense gun reform has to come in. How is it this easy for people to get their hands on weapons that can cause so much harm so quickly? We need to talk about making it harder for people with hate in their hearts or a history of violence to get a gun. This isn’t about taking away rights; it’s about protecting lives. It’s a national issue that requires a national solution.

    So, where does that leave us? It leaves me with a complicated feeling. I’m upset, I’m protective, and I’m also tired of the entire burden being on us to fix everything.

    So I’m putting this out there: It’s time for everyone to do their own work.

    We are going to do what we’ve always done: stick together, heal together, and build together. We have to. Our survival depends on it.

    And for everyone else? Your work is in your own house. Your work is to have the hard conversations. These are the conversations within your own communities that we’ve been forced to have in ours for generations. Your work is to address the anger and the ideologies that are fueling this violence where it actually exists. And it’s to demand that our leaders pass sensible gun laws that protect all of our children.

    We are not the problem here. We never have been. And before you comment with statistics without a source about crime in America or comment with “black people kill their own, what about that” mess…yes our people do kill our own, no different from Cain and Abel. The gang culture you see that is fantasized (and sadly often romanticized) is not ALL of us. Many of us Black people really be to ourselves minding our business taking care of our families…like myself.

    I believe in a future where all communities can be safe and thrive. But that future requires everyone to clean up their own backyard. So let’s do that. Let’s all focus on our own houses, support our own, and heal our own wounds. If we can do that with honesty and courage, then maybe, just maybe, we can finally find a way to live in peace together. And if not, then we need to be left in peace to take care of our own.

  • Government Shutdown: What It Means for Everyday People

    As of October 1st, 2025, the United States government has gone into a shutdown. That may sound like something far away in Washington, D.C., but the truth is, it touches everyday people—workers, families, students, and even our military. Let’s talk about what this really means in simple terms.

    What is a Government Shutdown?

    A government shutdown happens when Congress can’t agree on a budget to pay for the government. Think of it like a household: if the bills don’t get paid, the lights go off. That’s what’s happening right now with parts of our government.

    Who Gets Affected by the Shutdown?

    This shutdown affects more people than you might think:

    • Federal workers – Many government employees are told to stay home without pay. That’s called being “furloughed.” Others, like airport security, border patrol, and mail services, still have to work but won’t get paid until later.
    • Military families – Active-duty troops are still working and protecting our country, but extras get cut. One big one is military tuition assistance. Right now, military students can’t use tuition help for college classes. That means soldiers trying to better their future through school are stuck waiting.
    • Families on government programs – Programs like food assistance (WIC), housing support, and small business loans may pause or slow down. Families who depend on this help could be left wondering how to make ends meet.
    • Travelers and communities – National parks, museums, and monuments often shut their doors. Vacations get canceled, local businesses lose customers, and families miss out on trips they’ve saved for.

    What Happens During the Shutdown?

    Here are some of the biggest impacts:

    • No paychecks right away – Federal workers and service members may not get paid until the shutdown ends. Bills don’t stop, though, and that creates stress.
    • Delays in services – Need a passport? Waiting on IRS help? Those services may move slower or stop completely.
    • Layoffs and job cuts – While most federal workers are furloughed (temporary no-pay status), government contractors—the people who work with the government but aren’t official employees—might lose their jobs for good.

    Why This Matters to All of Us

    Even if you don’t work for the government, a shutdown ripples into everyday life. Airports can get backed up, families can lose benefits, parks close, and local businesses feel the pinch. In short—it’s not just “Washington politics.” It’s your neighbor, your cousin in the military, your local park, and maybe even your own paycheck.

    Final Thoughts

    The government shutdown of October 2025 is more than just headlines—it’s real life for millions of Americans. From military students losing tuition help to families worrying about food and housing programs, this shutdown hurts everyday people the most.

    The faster leaders in Washington find a compromise, the sooner workers can get paid, students can return to school, and families can breathe easier. Until then, patience, community support, and awareness will go a long way.

  • The Digital Plantation: Black Women & YouTube’s Toxicity

    Let’s keep it 100, no chaser.

    YouTube gave us a microphone when the world often muted our voices. We built incredible spaces for natural hair journeys, financial literacy, cultural commentary, and unfiltered joy. We became the architects of our own narratives, building businesses and communities from our brilliance. But with that power has come a painful, self-inflicted darkness.

    While we rightfully call out injustice everywhere else, we often turn a blind eye to the venom. We hurl this venom at each other in our own digital backyards. It’s heartbreaking. It’s toxic. And it has to stop.

    From Sisterhood to Sabotage: The Ugly Flip Side of Our Success

    As Black women, I see our creativity, humor, and sheer dominance on this platform every day. But the flip side is a corrosive toxicity that twists celebration into jealousy and community into a battlefield.

    The triggers are almost always the same. It could be a disagreement over a man. Sometimes it’s jealousy about who’s the “number one” content creator in a niche. Other times, it’s simply the inability to handle another sister’s shine. Instead of using our platforms to uplift, we drag each other down for views, clicks, and super chats. We’ve gone from healthy competition to a crab-in-a-barrel mentality, digitized and on steroids.

    The New Age of Bullying: When “Drama” Becomes Dangerous

    This isn’t the messy comment sections of years past. Cyberbullying in our community has evolved into a coordinated, malicious campaign with real-world consequences.

    We’ve weaponized the internet’s darkest tools, and we’re aiming them squarely at each other:

    • The Art of Doxxing: You disagree with somebody? Suddenly, her home address and private phone number are “exposed.” This isn’t winning an argument; it’s putting her physical safety at risk.
    • Weaponizing the System: The go-to move is no longer to create better content. It’s to make false reports to the FBI, police, or CPS. You’re not just trying to get her demonetized. You’re using systems steeped in bias against a fellow Black woman. This can potentially threaten her life. It can also endanger her children and her freedom.
    • Digital Blackface with AI: The latest low? Using artificial intelligence to create images to taunt or make fun of someone or deepfake compromising images. This is the modern-day digital lynching, stripping a sister of her dignity because you can’t stand her success…or HER period.
    • Wishing Ill on Innocents: The comments have moved beyond “I hope you fail.” They have escalated to “I hope your kids get ____.” We are speaking curses onto each other’s children. When did we become f**ked up women?

    This isn’t “YouTube streets.” This is destructive, dangerous behavior that causes real mental health struggles and can spill over into real-life violence.

    Why Are We Doing the Oppressor’s Work For Him?

    We know the world doesn’t love us. We fight systemic racism, bigotry, and misogyny every single day. So why are we so eager to do their work for them?

    There’s a deeper issue here. Many of us grew up in environments where women were pitted against each other. The idea that another Black woman’s success means there’s less for you—is a lie we’ve internalized and digitized. Instead of breaking the cycle, we teach other Black women that hate and sabotage are the price of success. These women are aspiring or rising content creators.

    A Call for Accountability: Reclaiming Our Digital Space

    This isn’t about being perfect or never disagreeing. It’s about realizing that we don’t have to destroy each other to create content. We can disagree, debate, and critique without threatening lives and livelihoods.

    It’s time to hold up a mirror and ask ourselves, as creators and consumers:

    • Am I building my platform on positivity and authenticity and REAL CONTENT—or on bullying and tearing down other women?
    • Am I teaching the younger ones to stand tall or to stoop low for views?
    • Am I adding value to the culture, or am I contributing to its destruction?

    Every time we attack each other, we hand power back to the very systems that silence us. While we’re busy calling the FBI and CPS on each other, brands and real opportunities pass us by. The algorithm may thrive on negativity, but it comes at the cost of our collective soul.

    Our Path to Healing: Choosing Community Over Clicks

    We are powerful, resilient, and brilliant. Our ancestors dreamed of a day we could have our own platforms and our own economy. We are living that dream, but we’re using it to play a toxic, high-stakes game.

    Let’s commit to doing better, starting today:

    • Check Your Motives: Before you post, ask: “Am I building up, or am I tearing down?”
    • Withhold Your Click: Stop feeding the beast. Don’t engage with these channels dedicated to destruction. Starve them of the currency they crave.
    • Practice Radical Support: Actively support the Black women creators you love. Share their content. Defend them respectfully. Create a counter-culture of love.

    There are so many things happening that are affecting us and we’re so busy online attacking each other. It is disgusting. We as black women need to be nicer to each other on these social media platforms. It is okay if we don’t like or don’t agree with someone. However, channeling that anger into getting people fired, doxxed, or getting their children taken is evil. This behavior needs to be studied because what the hell is the point! Log off and be mothers. Log off and go outside and live your life that you claim you have. If and or when they get rid of these social media platforms, then what do you have? NOTHING.

  • Don’t Panic: The Real Story on Section 8, Work Rules, and “New Evictions”

    You’ve probably seen the viral posts or videos titled “New rules are forcing Section 8 recipients to work!” or “People are getting kicked out of housing right now!” It’s scary, and it’s spreading fast. Let’s clear the air. Most of what you’re hearing is based on myths and misunderstandings. This article breaks down the facts in simple language, so you know exactly what’s true and what’s not.

    Myth #1: Brand New Work Requirements Are Kicking People Out

    The Truth: This is the most common and frightening myth. Let’s separate the facts from the fiction.

    Are there work requirements for Section 8 right now?

    Yes, but they are not new and they are not as strict as the rumors claim. The current rules have been in place for a long time. Here’s how they work for most families:

    • If you are an adult (18-61 years old) and not retired or disabled, you are generally expected to work. You should be in a job training program or be enrolled in school.
    • This does NOT mean you have to work 40 hours a week. The rule is often called the “30-hour rule.” This means you’re expected to work 30 hours a week. You can also participate in a qualifying program.
    • There are many exceptions. You are usually exempt from these rules if you are elderly (62+). The same applies if you are a person with a disability, pregnant, or caring for a young child.

    So, what’s all the talk about “new” work rules?

    Politicians have proposed making these rules stricter. However, these are just proposals. They are NOT law. No new national work rules for Section 8 have been passed or put into effect. The program is running under the same rules as it has been.

    Myth #2: People Are Being Evicted Right Now Because of New Changes

    The Truth: This is 100% false. Since no new national rules have started, no one is being kicked out of their home because of them.

    So, why do people sometimes lose their Section 8 voucher? It’s for reasons that have always been in place. The number one reason is simple: not paying their portion of the rent. Here’s a breakdown of the real reasons a voucher can be taken away:

    • Failure to Pay Rent: Your Section 8 voucher is a partnership. The program pays a large chunk of your rent, but you are responsible for paying your share to the landlord. If you don’t pay what you owe, your landlord can evict you. The housing authority can also take away your voucher.
    • Breaking the Lease or the Law: This includes serious issues. Damaging the property is one example. Committing crimes in the home is another. Finally, having unauthorized people live with you is also a serious issue.
    • Skipping Your Annual Recertification: Every year, you must meet with your housing agency to confirm your income and family situation. If you don’t show up or provide the needed paperwork, you risk losing your benefits.

    You may see a story online about someone losing their Section 8. Almost always, it is for one of these reasons. It is not due to a mysterious new government rule.

    What’s the Bottom Line for You?

    • If you currently have a Section 8 voucher: You can relax. Your housing assistance is safe from these proposed new rules. The work requirements you have to follow are the ones you already know about. The best thing you can do is what you’re already supposed to do. Meet your current program obligations. Pay your rent on time. Be a good tenant. Stay in contact with your housing agency.
    • If you’re hearing scary stories: Always check the source. A viral video or social media post is not a reliable source of legal information. The only place to get the real facts about your voucher is from your local Public Housing Agency (PHA). They are there to help you understand your specific situation.

    In summary: Don’t let the rumors scare you. Current work rules are not new, and stricter proposals are not in effect. Your voucher is protected as long as you follow the existing program rules. Pay your rent ON TIME. Focus on what you can control. Get your information directly from your housing agency. This helps avoid the stress of online misinformation. At the same time, make sure your affairs are in order. If you DO need a job, check out my jobs page full of work from home positions.

  • A Dark Secret in Maryland’s Backyard

    Behind an old jail for kids in Maryland, there is a field. This is not a normal field. It is a graveyard. But there are no headstones. No names. No flowers. Instead, there are just small metal stakes with numbers on them. This is where hundreds of Black boys were buried. They died while locked up at the Cheltenham Youth Detention Center in Prince George’s County. For a long time, this was a secret. Now, people are finding out. And they are asking hard questions about how this could happen.

    What Was Cheltenham?

    Cheltenham was a place where boys who got in trouble with the law were sent. It opened a long time ago, in the 1870s. Most of the boys sent there were Black. The stories from inside were bad. Boys faced cruel treatment and lived in dirty, crowded places. They were often there for small crimes, like stealing bread. One report says a boy was sent there for just riding a freight train.

    The Boys Buried in the Field

    The boys buried in the field died between the late 1800s and the 1950s. The number of graves is shocking. One report says there are 230 bodies buried there. Another says 63. Either way, it is a lot of young lives lost. How did they die? Some got sick with diseases like tuberculosis. But many died from horrible neglect and abuse. One news report shares a story from 1955. It tells of a 15-year-old boy who died after being put in a straitjacket for days. This was used as punishment. His body was just buried in the field. The state of Maryland knew about these deaths, but they did nothing to stop it. They just buried the boys with numbers, not their names.

    Why Was This Kept a Secret?

    This graveyard was hidden because the boys were seen as unimportant. They were poor, Black, and had no one to speak for them. The system treated them like problems, not people. When they died, the state did not call their families. They just buried them on the property. It was cheap and easy. It was a way to hide the evidence of their bad treatment. For decades, officials knew about this place. But they did not tell the public. They let the grass grow over the graves.

    People Are Fighting for the Truth

    Now, lawmakers and community groups are fighting for these boys. They want to give them their names back. They are looking through old records to find out who each boy was. The goal is to put real headstones with their names on the graves. A state lawmaker who visited the site called it “horrible neglect.” He said it is proof of a deep racism in the system that we must face. This is not just about the past. It is about today. We still have a problem where Black boys are treated more harshly than white boys by the police and courts. Remembering these boys helps us see that this is an old problem. And it reminds us to fight for a better, fairer system for all kids.

    A Place of Remembering

    That field in Maryland is more than just dirt. It is a place of deep sadness and a broken promise. Each number in the ground was a child. A child with a name, a family, and a story that was cut short. By learning their story, we can finally give these boys what they were denied in life and death. We can offer them respect. We also promise that they will not be forgotten again.

  • Oklahoma Education: Bible and Turning Point Clubs

    Oklahoma’s State Superintendent, Ryan Walters, is making significant changes to public high schools. These changes are focused on adding new clubs and altering classroom lessons. The goal is to bring specific conservative values into the education system.

    One major change involves a political group called Turning Point USA. Superintendent Walters wants every high school to have a Turning Point USA club. These school clubs are often called “Club America.” The group’s goal is to support students who believe in conservative ideas. Walters has stated that schools must allow these clubs. He has suggested that schools refusing to do so could lose state funding. A spokesperson for the group said their mission is to find and train students who believe in freedom. Supporters see this as a way to balance other viewpoints in schools. However, critics question why the state is forcing one specific political club onto schools, especially when other conservative clubs may already exist.

    Another change involves the role of the Bible in classrooms. Walters has instructed schools to include the Bible and the Ten Commandments in their teaching. He argues that the Bible is a vital historical document that students need to understand. To support this, he has even purchased special Bibles for classrooms. This move is very controversial. Many people believe it violates the constitutional separation of church and state. They argue that public schools, as government institutions, should not be promoting one religion over others. This issue is already being challenged in Oklahoma’s courts.

    Together, these changes represent a major shift in Oklahoma’s approach to public education. They have started a strong debate across the state. People are discussing the proper role of schools and how to balance different beliefs. The situation highlights a national conversation about what students should learn and who gets to decide. 

    [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOFndFlim5o&w=600&h=450]

    Isn’t Oklahoma rated the lowest (or close to it) in national education statistics? Nevermind…whatever works for the students to be successful in the future society, I guess.

  • You’re Not Welcome: How TSU Students Shut Down a MAGA Stunt Targeting Their HBCU

    Let’s not sugarcoat this. In the wake of the Charlie Kirk assassination, when MAGA rhetoric is already threatening HBCUs, a group of conservative provocateurs thought it was the perfect time for a field trip. Their destination? Tennessee State University (TSU), a proud Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Their mission? Not dialogue, but a calculated stunt designed to provoke Black students for social media content.

    The message from TSU students was swift, unified, and crystal clear: Get out.

    The Recipe for Provocation: A Bad-Faith Stunt

    A group calling themselves the “Fearless Debaters” rolled onto TSU’s campus unannounced and uninvited. Like copycats of Charlie Kirk, they’re on a tour they claim is about “open dialogue.” But their actions at TSU revealed their true goal.

    They didn’t seek permission from the university, violating clear campus policy. They simply set up a table while wearing MAGA hats and holding signs designed to incite anger: “DEI Should Be Illegal” and “Deport All Illegals.”

    Students Draw the Line: Protecting Their Sanctuary

    The students didn’t play their game. Within minutes, TSU students surrounded the group, not to debate, but to deliver a powerful message: your presence is an act of aggression, and you are not welcome here.

    The situation escalated because the provocateurs wanted it to. Campus police had to intervene, escorting the group off campus for their own safety. The university later released a statement confirming the obvious: these individuals had no authorization to be there, and the students conducted themselves professionally in the face of a deliberate disruption.

    But of course, the agitators ran to social media to play the victim. They called the students a “hostile mob” and even had the audacity to ask their followers to defund TSU—punishing a university because its students refused to be antagonized.

    Screenshots from my comments section to my response video regarding this story. 250+ comments and 98% are saying we are untrained animals and how Trump should defund HBCUs. Feel free to click on each pic. Matter of fact, if you have the Threads app, go directly to THIS LINK.

    Let’s be real. Choosing an HBCU—a sanctuary built because Black people were banned from white institutions—to debate whether diversity should exist or whether people should be deported isn’t a search for truth. It’s a well-timed performance for clicks. They knew exactly the reaction they would get, and they were banking on it to go viral so they could dog us in the comments.

    The Real Issue: Safety Over Their Victim Narrative

    The real story isn’t about a “mob.” It’s about safety. How did unaffiliated individuals with openly hostile messaging so easily access campus? This exposes a critical flaw in HBCU campus security that parents and alumni should be furious about.

    In a climate where figures like Charlie Kirk are targeted, allowing unvetted provocateurs to waltz onto a Black campus is a massive security failure. The students weren’t being hostile; they were responding to a perceived threat. They were protecting their community from outsiders who came to disrupt their peace for political points.

    A Final Warning to Other Provocateurs

    The incident at TSU is a warning shot. HBCUs are not playgrounds for racist experiments disguised as debate. The students at TSU stood up and demonstrated that they will not be used as props in a bad-faith political theater.

    This was intentional. There is an “agenda for this foolishness,” and it won’t be the last attempt. HBCUs across the nation must review their security protocols immediately. Parents should be calling administrations to demand answers. We must protect these sacred spaces. Be aware of the rhetoric and slogans being used while they run this play.

    To the Fearless Debaters and anyone else thinking of pulling a similar stunt: You are not brave. You are not victims. This isn’t about not wanting to have “the debate.” It is about bad timing, campus safety, what has happened in the last 2 weeks, and the hates you wear and represent. When C.K. was assassinated, HBCUs received threats a day after. Of course they will not welcome you! HBCUs, please tighten up your security.

    And before you call THOSE college students at Tennessee State “animals” don’t forget how your kind acted last year at Ole Miss when there was a Pro-Palestinian protest on campus.

  • When Parents Choose Freedom Over Their Kids: A Growing Problem

    A Hard Truth About Parenting Today

    Today, more parents are walking away from their children—not because of poverty or abuse, but because they want personal freedom. Social media has made this trend visible. Some parents openly admit they gave up custody to party. Others seek to travel or live without the responsibility of kids. This raises serious questions about family values, parental responsibility, and the long-term impact on children.

    When Kids Become “Optional”

    Some parents proudly share online why they gave up their kids. They say they want to travel the world. They prefer to keep a party lifestyle. They focus only on dating. They wish to build wealth without the cost of children. Alternatively, they want to live like they did before becoming parents. These parents often talk about “dropping off” their kids as if they’re returning something to a store. This cold attitude shows they don’t understand what being a parent really means.

    Real Struggles vs Selfish Choices

    It’s important to separate parents who truly cannot care for their kids from those who simply don’t want to. Real reasons might include having no money or support. They could also be facing mental health struggles or living in a home with domestic violence. Some might be seriously ill or disabled. Others could be dealing with addiction that requires treatment. On the other hand, selfish reasons often include wanting fun over children’s needs. Parents might see kids as a barrier to their lifestyle. Some lack love or empathy for their children. They might make choices for short-term pleasure, or put themselves first no matter the cost.

    The Damage to Children

    When parents leave for selfish reasons, kids face deep emotional wounds. They may feel abandoned or unwanted. They can have trouble trusting people in the future. Many develop low self-esteem, attachment issues, and confusion about who they are. Some argue that kids are “better off” with adoptive families who can give them more money or stability. But money can’t replace the bond between parent and child. It also can’t heal the pain of knowing a parent chose freedom over them.

    How Society Is Changing

    More people today treat parenthood as something they can walk away from if it gets hard. Social media makes this worse by creating spaces where parents get support or even praise for abandoning their children. This normalizes selfish behavior instead of holding parents accountable.

    The Bigger Cost

    When parents leave, society pays the price. Foster care systems get overwhelmed. More children suffer trauma. Taxpayer money goes to child welfare programs. Kids without stable homes often struggle into adulthood. What’s even worse is abandoned children may repeat the cycle when they grow up. They may find it hard to be good parents themselves or build healthy relationships.

    We Need Solutions!

    Instead of walking away, parents in crisis can turn to help. While the government is cutting back on lots of programs, parents can still go to family counseling. Taking parenting classes is also an option. Joining support groups is another possibility. They can ask TRUSTING family or friends for temporary help. Extended families and communities can also play a big role because they can provide childcare, financial support, or emotional guidance. Having a strong support system can prevent parents from making choices that harm their children.

    Moving Forward

    To stop this problem, society needs to act. We must teach that parenthood is a lifelong responsibility. We should push back against social media trends that normalize abandonment. Schools and communities should offer parenting education before people have kids. And lawmakers should work on policies that support struggling families.

    Conclusion: Parenting Is Not Optional

    Parenting is not something you can quit when life gets hard. Children don’t ask to be born, and they deserve love, care, and sacrifice from their parents. While real struggles sometimes make custody changes necessary, abandoning kids for selfish reasons is never acceptable. The choice is clear: either allow selfish abandonment to grow—or recommit to responsibility and put the children first.

  • How to Support Your Teen’s Mental Health

    Keep in mind that I am not a licensed counselor or therapist. I am writing from my experience working with teenagers in schools in low-socioeconomic areas and as a parent.

    As a parent, you want the best for your child. You want them to be happy, healthy, and successful. But in today’s world, where technology, school pressure, and global issues are constantly changing, it can be hard to know how to support your teen’s mental health.

    In 2025, many teens are still feeling the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with new challenges like social media pressure, school violence concerns, climate anxiety, and the rising cost of living that affects families. Recent reports show that teen depression and anxiety remain higher than before 2020, and many young people say they feel stressed, isolated, or overwhelmed. These struggles can put teens at risk for more serious problems if they don’t have the right support.

    📊 2025 Teen Mental Health: What the Data Shows

    United States (CDC & national surveys)

    • In 2023, 40% of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
    • 20% of students seriously considered attempting suicide, and nearly 9% attempted suicide within the past year
    • Over 20% of adolescents (ages 12–17) received mental health therapy, but the same share reported unmet mental health care needs in 2021–2023
    • Just 55% of teens always or usually receive the social and emotional support they need

    Trends & disparities:

    • Female and LGBTQ+ youth report higher rates of emotional distress than their male, cisgender, heterosexual peers
    • Among teens (12–17), approximately 19.7% reported symptoms of anxiety and 17.8% reported symptoms of depression during the past two weeks (2021–2023)

    Emerging Pressures (Social Media, Loneliness, Climate)

    • A April 2025 Pew survey showed 44% of parents cited social media as the most harmful factor to teen mental health; 48% of teens say social media mostly negatively affects their peers; 45% admit spending too much time online, especially girls, who report negative effects on confidence and sleep
    • According to a September 2025 survey by Hopelab/Data for Progress, 61% of youth aged 13–24 say loneliness affects their mental health; 35% say it disrupts daily life; and 25% of those in school believe their schools lack adequate mental health support
    • The Lancet Commission (May 2025) warns that economic, social, and environmental pressures—including climate anxiety—are creating a “perfect storm” for adolescent mental health decline globally

    I put together this post with tips on how to help your teen’s mental health in 2025. Whether they’re dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or simply the ups and downs of growing up, these steps can make a difference.

    Tip #1: Listen without judging

    Teens often feel like their parents don’t “get it.” One of the best ways to support them is to listen with patience and without judgment. Try not to interrupt, criticize, or immediately give advice unless they ask for it. Instead, use active listening: nod, ask open-ended questions, and repeat back what you hear. For example, “It sounds like school has been overwhelming lately” or “I can see you’re really frustrated about that.”

    When your teen feels truly heard, they are more likely to open up and trust you with their feelings.

    Tip #2: Encourage healthy habits

    Healthy routines are a powerful tool for mental health. Encourage your teen to:

    • Get enough sleep
    • Eat balanced meals
    • Exercise regularly
    • Limit screen time when possible
    • Stay hydrated
    • Avoid drugs and alcohol
    • Hang with the RIGHT people

    You can model these habits by doing them as a family—like cooking healthy meals together, going for walks, or setting a “no phones at dinner” rule. Positive habits help teens manage stress, improve mood, and build confidence.

    Tip #3: Help them find professional help if needed

    Sometimes your teen may need more than family support. If you notice signs of depression, anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders, or talk of suicide, it’s important to connect them with a professional. This could be a therapist, counselor, or doctor who understands teen mental health.

    Remind your teen that asking for help is not weakness—it’s courage. Offer to help them research options or go with them to their first appointment. The earlier they get support, the better their chances of recovery and growth.

    Final Thoughts

    Parenting a teen in 2025 isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most important jobs you’ll ever have. By listening without judgment, encouraging healthy habits, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can show your child that you are always in their corner.