I can often be accused of being a bit naive. Although I feel that I am a cautious, somewhat cynical person at times, I can certainly have the wool pulled over my eyes quite a bit.

My career has been spent teaching little ones. I’ve watched young faces sit and listen, wide-eyed, to various topics and stories. I’ve watched young folks talk about hopes and dreams. One cannot deny their innocence, and those of us who teach have a commitment to do all we can to protect kids and preserve that innocence.

Yet we hear stories. I am blessed to be visited by and have countless conversations with former students, many of them grown and out on their own. Students come by school and pop their heads in to say hello.  I run into them out in the community. We have good conversations and we have pep talks. However, many times, I hear things I shouldn’t be hearing. I am thankful that they trust me enough to confide in me, but I also don’t always like what I hear.

Yes, naive. I think of these little kids and think of what was important to them when they were youngsters. Years later, I hear about kids who make bad decisions about a variety of things. You name it, I have heard it.

I’ve heard about boys and girls who are known throughout their peer groups as being promiscuous. Each time I hear it, my mind rejects it. How could that eager little student grow up and make that decision? What?  That little girl was such a sweet kid.

What made her grow up and think that was OK? I am often surprised when I hear the rumors and I always hope the rumors aren’t true. Almost always, I say something like “but he/she was such a great little kid!” My heart aches for these kids.

Lately, I’m almost sickened by the amount of kids I’ve heard about who have issues with drugs and alcohol. I have such a hard time believing it, yet the evidence is there. I don’t know what can or should be done. I’m at a loss here, folks.

We have DARE education in our schools, and it is a wonderful program. The officers who have taught it over the years have done a fine job. I’ve watched these men answer some tough questions, all the while being sensitive and gentle in their approach. As my students “graduate” from the DARE program, we see them as kiddos who are educated and well-equipped to face any issues they may encounter when it comes to drugs and alcohol.

The more I hear and the more conversations I have with kids and adults alike, the more I am convinced that we have a huge drug and alcohol problem in our communities.

Huge. I know plenty of precautions are taken. I know that most of us mean well and think we are supporting kids or helping them with these issues. However, I think the problem is still there and it could be said that it is out of control.

Marijuana seems to be rampant. Ask any teenager you know.  If they are in the know, you can probably hear of several students who do it. Again, when I hear of yet another student smoking weed or doing something even worse, I want to reject it and dismiss it. Maybe this is one of the problems.  As adults, we want to deny and we want to reject.

So, what do we do? Do we call parents and blow the whistle? As I write this, I have at least 15 to 20 names I could tattle on. It is much like the list I have of kids I’ve seen texting while driving.

It is my contention that parents are to blame. I know it sounds rather harsh, but I believe this all starts with parents.  Parents have a right to be nosy.  Parents have a right to get on their kids’ bad side if it means keeping them on the straight and narrow.

I believe in respecting your kids, but I also believe parents should not be their kids’ friend.

Look at text messages, know their Facebook log-in. Eavesdrop. Find out who they are with and what they are doing as much as possible. Let them earn trust and freedom, but always keep a watchful eye. And for goodness sake, have conversations with your kids — even if they are annoyed.

My kids aren’t perfect. I know they are capable of going astray just like any other kids.

But I will tell you, Michelle and I question the heck out of them.  We have conversations and we demand answers. We revisit certain topics often and we put on the heat quite a lot. We stay in contact as much as we can.  We know who they are with and what they are doing. We know their friends’ parents and we talk to them.

Annoying? Yes, at times.  But, by golly, we are present and watchful. Plus, I don’t give a flyin’ hoot if my kids get annoyed with me. They can get over it.

Folks, we have a drug and alcohol problem in our communities. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard (this year alone) “Oh, that kid smokes weed” or “They drink all the time.” Sure, it may not always be true. I’ve made eye contact with kids at sporting events and around town. I know what inebriated and “weedy” eyes look like and so do many of us.  Again, my heart sinks a little each time I make one of these observations.

I think of all the people  who would be offended if I “tattled.” I think of all the people who would say “well, my kid is a good kid.”  Many people would tell me to mind my own business. These would be the same people who are most likely hosting underage drinking parties at their homes. And indeed, many of these people are also texting and driving. No wonder their kids do it. The need to be “cool” supersedes the need to be a responsible parent.

Sorry, I’m on a bit of a high horse. I don’t think I’m better than any of you and I certainly have a flaw list about a mile long. But what are we doing?  What’s going on with our kids?  These problems are serious business

This is a bit of an “in your face” topic for this columnist. But I really think there is a crisis with our kids. I’d urge you to talk to your kids today. Ask them what’s going on. Are you drinking? Do you or have you smoked pot? Have you been around kids who do? Do you text and drive?

Be a parent. Annoy your kids if you have to. I think it’s worth it.