Being a Kid

Childhood — for many of us, it brings back memories of laughter, play, and freedom. But for too many children today, that sense of ease and innocence is being replaced with fear, responsibility, and uncertainty. As adults, it’s worth pausing to reflect on what it really means to “just be a kid” — and how we can help protect that experience for the next generation.

Do You Remember?

Do you ever have moments when you think about your childhood?

Those carefree days when life felt simple — no bills to pay, no deadlines to meet, no responsibilities beyond just being a kid.

Depending on your generation, you might remember games like tag, freeze tag, marbles, hopscotch, or four-square.

And for those who may not know those games, maybe your memories look a little different — riding your Big Wheel, zooming through the neighborhood on your bike, or spending hours outside with friends. You were free — free to laugh, free to explore, free to just be a kid.

Now Imagine…

Imagine being a kid, but instead of freedom, you’re faced with situations completely out of your control.

Imagine having adult responsibilities thrust upon you — tasks you take on because someone has to do them, and maybe your parent or guardian simply can’t.

Or picture being a kid today, growing up in a world where your safety feels uncertain — where your ethnic identitymight make you fearful to go to school, or where you worry for your friends who don’t feel safe in theirs.

Maybe you’ve seen the fear in someone else’s eyes — or felt it yourself — wondering if your community could be next.

What Can We Do as Adults?

As adults, we can’t change every circumstance, but we can change how we respond.

We can:

• Create space for open conversations with our children, letting them share their fears, questions, and hopes.

• Assure them of our commitment to keeping them safe — physically, emotionally, and mentally.

• Listen without judgment and offer compassion, not correction, when they express their feelings.

Ideally, kids should have the freedom to just be kids.
But since that’s not always the case, it’s up to us — parents, mentors, educators, and community members — to protect that space for them as much as we can.

Because every child deserves to feel safe, to dream freely, and to experience the joy of simply being a kid.

Take a Moment to Reflect

Think back to your own childhood.
What made you feel safe?
Who helped you believe the world was good?

Now ask yourself — how can you be that person for a child today?

Whether it’s listening without judgment, showing up consistently, or simply making space for laughter, your presence matters.

Let’s work together to make sure every child has the chance to grow up feeling seen, supported, and free to be themselves.

GBOC is a safe place for kids to be kids.