The System is Exhausted
The System is Exhausted
Embedded Files
For a limited time, we're offering our services at an exclusive introductory rate. Request a service today!
And so are our kids. It's time to tell the truth.
And so are our kids. It's time to tell the truth.
Category: Communities & NetworksBy Zachary Waters05/05/25
Everyone’s Waiting. No One’s Coming
Let’s just say it plainly: our kids are hurting. They are breaking, they are lost, and we are not doing enough. Not because we don’t care, but because we are collectively stretched unimaginably thin. We are overwhelmed, focused on the wrong things—or some combination of both. The truth is hard to look at, but we have to face it: we are quite literally losing our grip on what it means to raise a generation that knows how to live, connect, and feel whole.
The System Is Drowning
Schools, social services, healthcare systems, community programs—the list goes on. Most are running on fumes. The people inside those systems are often doing their best with little support, too much pressure, and an impossible mandate: fix everything, right now.
And while they’re at it, they’re expected to code it properly, document it thoroughly, assign a label to it, have the right insurance, and—most importantly—stay within their scope... or as some like to say, their “sphere of influence.” We’ve created a system so focused on naming the problem that we’ve stopped asking the harder question: What does this child really need right now?
Labels might secure funding, resources, or a framework—but they don’t heal trauma. They don’t build safety. They don’t teach a child how to trust again.
Connection Is Disappearing
We are raising kids in a world where connection is being replaced by content. Where relationships with other humans are becoming optional. Where eye contact, emotional presence, and play are being traded in for productivity, stimulation, screen time, and instant gratification.
Kids are growing up without knowing how to sit with someone and just be. Without knowing how to say, “I’m sad,” or “I need help,” without feeling a deep sense of alienation. And honestly? So are we.
"They need adults who say, “I see you. And I’m not going anywhere.”"
"They need adults who say, “I see you. And I’m not going anywhere.”"
We Are Teaching Them to Cope, Not to HealWe give them thousands of what we call coping skills—breathing exercises, behavior charts, calm-down corners. All helpful, yes. But many of these kids don’t need to learn how to cope with a broken system—they need a system that stops breaking them in the first place. They don’t need another adult telling them to “make better choices.” They need adults who model why better choices are worth making. They need adults who say, “I see you. And I’m not going anywhere.” Even when they lie. Or scream. Or shut down. Especially then.
This Isn’t About Blame — It’s About HonestyThis isn’t about calling out parents, teachers, therapists, or social workers. Most of us are trying to do the work of ten people with the energy of half a person. But we have to say it out loud: something is off.
We are getting really good at managing crises...We’ve lost our ability to prevent them.
We are constantly responding...We’ve stopped connecting.
We are solving symptoms...We’ve forgotten how to see the whole child.
So What Now?We slow down. We stop pretending the current pace is sustainable. We start naming what’s real—even when it’s messy or makes us uncomfortable. We prioritize relationship over response, presence over productivity, and connection over control.
We remember: change doesn’t happen at the speed of systems. It happens at the speed of relationships.
We don’t need more diagnoses. We need more safe adults.We don’t need more interventions. We need more eye contact.We don’t need more policies. We need more people who care enough to stay in it.
We still have time to turn this around—but only if we’re brave enough to admit what’s broken, and humble enough to help build something better.
Let’s stop waiting for permission to do the next right thing. Let’s just begin.
This Isn’t About Blame — It’s About HonestyThis isn’t about calling out parents, teachers, therapists, or social workers. Most of us are trying to do the work of ten people with the energy of half a person. But we have to say it out loud: something is off.
We are getting really good at managing crises...We’ve lost our ability to prevent them.
We are constantly responding...We’ve stopped connecting.
We are solving symptoms...We’ve forgotten how to see the whole child.
So What Now?We slow down. We stop pretending the current pace is sustainable. We start naming what’s real—even when it’s messy or makes us uncomfortable. We prioritize relationship over response, presence over productivity, and connection over control.
We remember: change doesn’t happen at the speed of systems. It happens at the speed of relationships.
We don’t need more diagnoses. We need more safe adults.We don’t need more interventions. We need more eye contact.We don’t need more policies. We need more people who care enough to stay in it.
We still have time to turn this around—but only if we’re brave enough to admit what’s broken, and humble enough to help build something better.
Let’s stop waiting for permission to do the next right thing. Let’s just begin.
Two Good Questions for Reflection...What’s one thing you needed as a child that you didn’t get?
What’s one thing a child in your life needs right now that you can give?
What’s one thing a child in your life needs right now that you can give?
If this message resonates with you—whether you’re a parent, educator, provider, or simply someone who cares—you are not alone. We see what’s happening, and we believe in doing something about it. Whether you're looking for support, resources, or just a place to talk about what’s real, we’re here. Let’s connect and be part of the change our kids so desperately need.
Page updated
Report abuse