Gloria | Autism Mom & MSW

I almost joined a gang in middle school. And I wasn’t looking for trouble. I was looking for protection. 💔🇬🇭 When I migrated from Ghana to America, I experienced bullying because of my accent, appearance, and identity. I fought back. I got into trouble. I made dangerous decisions. And eventually, I found myself looking for protection in places that could have changed my life forever. Someone in my community spoke up, and my mother intervened before I was initiated into a gang. Today, as a mother and social worker, I look back with a different understanding. Sometimes the child labeled “rebellious” is a child who feels unheard, unsafe, and overwhelmed. That doesn’t excuse harmful behavior. But accountability without understanding doesn’t address what’s happening beneath the surface. Parents, please listen to your children. Pay attention to changes in their behavior. And don’t wait for a crisis before asking what they’re going through. I am sharing my story because I know another child may be looking for protection in the wrong place right now. 💬 What can we do differently to make sure our children feel safe enough to come to us? #GlowWithGloria #ImmigrantParenting #BullyingAwareness #GhanaianDiaspora #ParentAdvocacy