Jakadrien Owes Us an Apology

Jakadrien Turner has gotten a lot of attention in the media ove the last week. She is the Dallas teenagers who was mistakenly deported to Columbia. I even commented on her on Facebook, questioning how federal agents could deport a Black American teenager who doesn't speak a word of Spanish to a South American Country. Dallas Morning News columnist, Steve Blow, brought me back to reality yesterday. You can find his blog at www.dallasnews.com/thescoopblog. Steve Blows perspective is that if a apology is due, it should be from Jakadrien.

Steve Blow contends that Jakadien has no one to blame but herself. She made some poor choices. It all began when the fifteen year old chose to run away from home in November of 2010: mistake #1. She ended up in Houston where she was arrested for shoplifting: mistake #2. Instead of identifying herself, she created an identity, saying she was a 21 year old illegal immigrant from Columbia: mistake #3.

Jakadien is now safely back at home. Her release and homecoming were widely covered in the local media. A lot of tears were shed and yes. The Congressional Black Caucus is now involved and there is talk about a grievance.

Having had time to reflect, I could not agree more with Steve Blow. Jakadien is not the victim here. The consequences are the result of her poor decisions.

This is a great case study for a parent to discuss with their teenager. It needs to be shared and discussed. Don't be surprised if your teenager sides with Jakadien. Teens often share the same perspective. Probably the most effective way to teach the importance of making good choices for their to be consequences when you don't. All too often I hear of parents who are quick to point out the mistake, but back off when it comes to consequences. Most often the reason is they don't want to listen to the complaining and whining about how unfair life is.

In the long run, our teenagers need to learn that poor choices can, and often do, have negative consequences, and nothing is learned when we let them off the hook.