Unexpected 5: The Perfect Daughter

Cast Afterword

Deciding when is the right moment to approach your children about peer pressure, suicide, bullying and other sensitive subjects is no easy task. However, it is one of the most important jobs for all parents. Creating and maintaining an open line of communication with your children is key for their education, development and safety.  -Deacon (Jay Harrington)

Being a kid and a young person nowadays is much more challenging that in many other times in history. Media, Internet, society expectations, social standards and many other factors contribute to a despair and desperation among young people. Unfortunately, this has caused that, in a world with so many tools to keep us together, mental problems and suicide rates have skyrocketed. Please make sure that you talk things out, and find a creative and healthy outlet. Try painting, drawing, dancing, acting, cooking, and any other form that allows you to let yourself go! -Lila Kay (Amanda Lowel-Oadell)

Many societal issues such as racism, economic disparity, violence and others affect our youth directly, and creates within them many questions. It is our job to guide them through the process of getting to know our world and creating a better environment for everyone. We will do this by encouraging tolerance, honesty and overall respect. -Hondo (Shemar Moore)

Teenagers are bombarded by many forms of information, some of it misleading and even dangerous. Parents need to keep close tabs on what their children and teens are being expose to, but with caring attitude. Punishment, harsh treatment and other forms of rigidness will only push them into those sources that don't necessarily provide the help they need. That's why talking to your kids is the best way to keep them safe. Also, recognizing that there are many other sources of help is essential for those times that you as a parent need support.  -Chris Alonso (Lina Esco)

As a parent your aim is not to be perfect, or to provide every single thing your child demands. There are thousands of books that could help you raise your child, but no one will do a better job than yourself. However, no parent is perfect. So, when you make a mistake, just talk things out. Your kids will learn as much (if not more) from those times you apologize than direct lessons, because it takes a bigger man (or woman) to recognize a mistake. So, please, don't aim at perfection, just aim at happiness, whatever you and your family decides it'd be. -James Street (Alex Russell)

Remember that you are never alone. There are many sources of support, so please search within your community, your district, your region and even your country for all available services that could help you provide the best opportunity for your child. Seeking is by no means a sign of weakness or insecurity. On the contrary, it shows that you are willing to do anything for your kid, and they themselves will recognize it and will thank you for it. -Annie Kay (Bre Blair)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you for reading! Votes and comments are always welcomed :D

Remember to look for the other stories within the Unexpected series: Trojan Horse, JR Swat, Alonso Gone, Digital Purge, Street's #1 Fan and Franken Doc. Also available: SWAT Bits, filled with shorter compositions for your enjoyment.

Next up...Stand Proud and Crime Set (preview available in SWAT Bits!)