HAROLD KELLER / L’Observateur / January 12, 2000

Children are much smarter these days. In fact, they have learned well fromus. They have come to realize that telling people what they want to hear isbetter than being completely honest. I guess it all boils down to wantingto be accepted. Wanting to be accepted by everyone will make us people-pleasers.

Case in point: I have a 10-year-old granddaughter named Lauren. Lauren isreally something. She has a pretty nice, outgoing personality, canmanipulate people very well and enjoys performing in school plays very much. In fact, she’s always performing around the house.Before I brought this article to the newspaper, my daughter, Ronny, who is Lauren’s mother, read it and said, “Daddy, don’t use the word ‘manipulate.’It sounds so bad.”I then asked, “Wouldn’t you call Lauren a manipulator?” “Yes, but use another word,” she replied.

“OK,” I continued. “Let’s say that Lauren knows how to get her own way.”(Being a people-pleaser myself, I hope this satisfies Ronny.)Lauren attends Reserve Christian School and this year she participated in the D.A.R.E. (Drug Awareness Resistance Education) program sponsored bythe st. John Parish Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Jones has Lt. MichaelHoover in charge of this program that is presented to every school in the parish.

Mr. Hoover is, without a doubt, not only capable, but presents the D.A.R.E.program with enthusiasm and in such a way that all the kids appreciate and enjoy it. Most importantly, they learn about the evils of drug use. Healso stresses the importance of resisting negative peer pressure. Hechallenges the kids to be different and do the right thing, regardless of what others think. He is one role model who’s making a difference.Getting back to Lauren. After the completion of the program, each studentwas asked to write a paragraph or two of what the D.A.R.E. program wasall about and if they were personally touched in any way.

This is Lauren’s reply, in part: “I really enjoyed the program. Mr. Hoover did a great job! I learned a lotfrom him. He was very good. Because of the D.A.R.E. program, I know I’llnever use drugs in my life. In fact, when I grow up, I want to be like Mr.Hoover. I want to be a police officer and help people.”When Lauren’s mother read this, she said, “Lauren, I didn’t know you wanted to be a police officer!” “I really don’t,” was Lauren’s reply. “I justwanted Mr. Hoover to feel good.”Keep in mind that Lauren is only 10, but she has learned very well that telling people what they want to hear keeps everybody happy.

Is that good? You be the judge.

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