Huffington Magazine Issue 42 | Page 29

AP PHOTO/KEITH SRAKOCIC Voices signs for them, adorning hallways with fluorescent notes of encouragement. Young men are known by their football number, their last touchdown pass, their ability to get any girl they choose. Young women fill the stands with hopeful smiles, dying to be noticed. We have created this. We have allowed this. We choose not to demand more from our young men, because we see how big they grow in the spotlight. We give them adult power, without instilling in them an adult sense of responsibility and ethics. Moms, it is time. Now is the time KIM SIMON to make this stop. If you are the mother of a son, you can prevent the next Steubenville. We must teach our boys to be kind. Teaching empathy, compassion and awareness needs to begin as early as possible. A toddler can learn how to use words of kindness: “Friend, are you OK?” “I’m sorry friend, did you get a boo-boo?” Encourage tiny boys to be aware of how others are feeling. Name what they see. “Mommy is sad right now, honey. Our friend G is sick, and I want her to feel better.” Give children tasks that they can do to help someone in need. Write letters of gratitude to take to the local firehouse. Bring dinner to a mother on bedrest. Choose a toy to share with HUFFINGTON 03.31.13 Left to right: Defense attorney Adam Nemann, his client, Trent Mays, Ma’lik Richmond and his attorney, Walter Madison.