We need a Children's Bill of Rights in America like yesterday.

I'll start by saying that I know this likely won't happen in the near future, if at all. I still think it's something worth talking about.

I grew up in a highly dysfunctional family. One of those weird grey areas where CPS would visit frequently but couldn't/wouldn't do much. I'd get a pat on the back and a patronizing "Chin up, kid. At least they feed you and don't beat you" from the social worker. I'd scold myself for being too weak and exhibiting symptoms of abuse in a household that "wasn't that bad".

As an adult, I'm struggling to cope with chronic pain resulting from prolonged exposure to trauma. My nervous system is shot. Most of my disposable income is spent on doctor's appointments, therapy, and medication. My social life is nearly nonexistent, I feel like I have nothing in common with my peers. I'm limited in the kinds of jobs I can do because of my ENTIRELY AVOIDABLE mental and physical health conditions.

I feel like my life was stolen. I should be going out, having fun, making friends, and exploring what in life makes me truly happy. Instead, I spend my days carefully managing my energy reserves, just trying to get through the day without incident. What little enjoyment I can derive from life seems pathetic in comparison to what other people my age are up to.

Words can't express the rage and grief I feel over the fact that things didn't have to pan out this way. It was clear to teachers, neighbors, and counselors that something was amiss, hence why CPS was called so often. My still-growing brain was permanently altered. I had no means of escape or defense. I suffered needlessly and to the detriment of my academic and social development. I was, by every modern consideration, a vulnerable individual and there was still no legal precedent to safeguard my well-being.

My story is far from unique. Children are often still seen as belonging to their parents, not as individual beings. Our experiences in childhood impact nearly every aspect of our adult lives, yet our parents are allowed to permanently damage us just so long as they don't give us a black eye?? We're expected to be productive and well-regulated by age 18, yet the huge legal gap that many of us fell through never allowed us a chance to safely learn those skills.

Children deserve to grow up free from all kinds of abuse and neglect, not just the kind that's too obvious to ignore. They deserve to be safe, loved, and well provided for. To allow otherwise is to doom them to a life of dysfunction. Not to mention the lost professional potential, extra strain on the healthcare system, and significantly higher risk of obesity, substance abuse, homelessness, conduct disorders, etc.

Close the gap. Children's Bill of Rights NOW!