This article is part of <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/introducing-upstream-a-lifestyle-and-culture-section-of-the-daily-wire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Upstream,</a> The Daily Wire’s new home for culture and lifestyle. Real human insight and human stories — from our featured writers to you.
***
Welcome to Maycember. If you’re a parent, you get this reference. In case you’re unaware of the social media term, it’s a reference to a whirlwind of deadlines and holidays: all the plays, recitals, field trips, projects due, tests and quizzes, student council elections, teacher’s appreciation week (ironically the same week as Mother’s Day weekend), Memorial Day weekend, and finally the end of the school year. It’s a lot.
I was recently a chaperone for our school choir’s annual competition, including over 50 fourth through eighth graders. We leave the school before 7 a.m., they compete, enjoy a Jersey Mike’s sandwich picnic, and spend half a day at Universal Studios Hollywood for junk food and rides. 
It’s controlled chaos, but our school enforces a few things that make it easier on chaperones. First, no phones except to text mom and dad. Second, dress code; it’s a parochial school, so even though the kids can be in “street clothes,” they have a guideline of allowable attire. Third, the moms (and some brave dads) chaperoning have the authority to discipline, to an extent. Like, “if you do that again, you will miss this next ride,” or “put your phone away or I will tell the principal.” Ignoring these threats actually has consequences. 
These rules are possible because of the tight-knit community we have of 150 families who have chosen a school with basic rules derived from biblical beliefs and a concept of human dignity. These principles used to be more common throughout society. But now, they&#8217;re often lacking in our leaders and teachers.
Thankfully, I was encouraged throughout the day as my chaperone buddy and our assigned group of eight middle schoolers made our way through the park, maneuvering around crowds, waiting in lines, going on rides, and buying and eating lunch. Instead of passersby being oblivious to our existence, they were aware and engaging. Many times, I got a thumbs up, admiring smile, or verbal affirmation from total strangers at how we were communicating with and to the students. 
I’m pretty strict too.  You will often hear me telling my children and others, “Be aware of your surroundings.” 
“Say excuse me!” 
“Move to the right! The escalator is like the road.”
“Keep your hands to yourself.”
“Hold the door for that mama!”
Once, when waiting in line for the kids to order some hyper-sugary boba drink, I told them to all have their orders ready to go, told them to have card or cash in hand, and explained sales tax so they’d have the right amount. A couple behind us said, “Whoa, if only more adults had the same level of preparedness. This is so nice to see!” We were a walking advertisement for decency, and maybe even our school. 
Social awareness has gotten worse, especially since the pandemic. Humans, particularly children, weren’t spending time in public. What used to be socially normal interactions became so rare that almost everyone we came across was either afraid to see us, or us to see them — as if their presence outside of their homes was going to be judged. We started judging instead of engaging.
We should go back to a culture of encouraging people to be considerate, socially aware human beings. Hold the door open for someone, walk down the street without looking down at your phone, chat with strangers, help a mom, and, heck, shame a kid for cutting in line, talking back to an adult, or acting dumb. 
Bring back thoughtful kids, and bring back adults who aren&#8217;t afraid to guide them in the right direction.
***
Elisha Krauss is a conservative commentator, writer, and speaker who resides in Los Angeles, California, with her husband and their four children. She is an advocate for women’s rights, school choice, and smaller government.

<script async src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script><div data-widget-host="revcontent" data-pub-id="165152" data-widget-id="290588"></div><script src="https://delivery.revcontent.com/165152/290588/widget.js"></script>

The School Trip That Became A Wake-Up Call About Modern Parenting

The Biggest Moment Of The Rousey-Carano Fight Wasn’t The Winning Move

The Unexpected Message In A Viral Hit That’s Resonating Beyond Gen Z

The Gap Between Two Popular Kid Shows Is Bigger Than It Looks

KRAUSS: The World Needs Fathers

KRAUSS: John Legend Is A Jerk

‘End Capitalism, Don’t Enable It,’ And Other Crazy CA Candidate Statements

Upstream

Children

A video goes viral showing a baby being refused his mother by two gay "dads". This is just the tip of the iceberg, which is why we will have an important discussion today about surrogacy. 

Hour 1

The Matt Walsh Show

Ep. 1765 - This Video Is One Of The Worst Things I've Seen In A Long Time 

The Strait of Hormuz officially opens for business (kind of), the Pope makes “shocking” comments on immigration, and President Trump promises UFO disclosure at TPUSA. 


The Michael Knowles Show

Ep. 1956 -  Pope Leo's "SHOCKING" Immigration Comments EXPLAINED

A false miscreed has corrupted our leadership class.


The Andrew Klavan Show

Ep. 1275 - Dumb, Dumber and Progressive

President Trump announces a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, a murder-suicide involving former Democratic Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax shakes Virginia, and France and Britain hold a conference to secure the Strait of Hormuz – after the Iranian conflict ends. Get the facts first with Morning Wire.

- - -

Ep. 2738

- - -

Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3

- - -

Today's Sponsors:

Alliance Defending Freedom - Visit https://JoinADF.com/WIRE or text 'WIRE' to 83848 to learn more.

Pocket Hose - Text MORNING to 64000 to get a FREE pocket pivot and their 10-pattern sprayer with the purchase of ANY size Copper Head hose. Message and data rates may apply.

Morning Wire

U.S. Expands Hormuz Blockade & VA Fairfax Deaths Investigated | 4.17.26

U.S. Expands Hormuz Blockade & VA Fairfax Deaths Investigated | 4.17.26 [Member Exclusive]

A ceasefire goes into effect between Israel and Lebanon, a tragic murder-suicide rocks Virginia, and Dairy Queen deploys AI in the drive-thru. Get the facts first with Evening Wire.
- - -
Ep. 2737
- - -
Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3 
- - -
Today’s Sponsor:

Alliance Defending Freedom - Visit https://JoinADF.com/WIRE or text “WIRE” to 83848 to learn more.


Menu

— Upstream —

The School Trip That Became A Wake-Up Call About Modern Parenting