Teach Children Respect, Self-Discipline, and Work Ethics/Preparation

As one that has “fought” in the educational “trenches” for close to three decades now, I have seen it all. Programs have come and gone. Trends have become “revolutionary,” then have become passé. Budgets and other financial matters in regards to public schools have been expanded to cover new initiatives and then slashed when those initiatives are replaced with other “ideas.”

However, the biggest change that I have seen in these thirty years has been in those of whom I am directly responsible: the children. The students that I teach today are a far cry different from those that I dealt with thirteen years ago.

Students from 1994 seemed to have more realistic expectations for their future employment possibilities. Many wanted to be doctors, lawyers, cosmetologists, soldiers, and a couple aspired to follow in their teacher’s footsteps.

However, too many of today’s students, especially the males, have unrealistic expectations about their prospective careers. They believe that they are going to be the next “Michael Vick” or the next “Kobe Bryant,” never considering that they’re more likely to be struck by lightening than get drafted by the NFL or the NBA.

Unfortunately, both sexes have not the slightest clue as to how to attain their future objective(s). And they are also missing some of the basic social and self-discipline skills to reach their goals.

Too much of the school day is spent “correcting” and/or “disciplining” students that lack self-control, feelings of self-worth, and acceptable moral character. If these “weaknesses” are not addressed soon, the future for these students is quite bleak.

While schools do their best to prepare students for the challenges that they face in their adult lives, there is only so much that can be covered within that 180-day period known as the school term.
With that in mind, here are ten little “tips,” in no particular order, to assist you, the parents, as you assist in the “growth” of your children toward adulthood responsibility:

1. Take them regularly to the library. Toddlers should begin to marvel at the wonders of books. Older kids should have a library card that is used frequently. With the advent of computer use and other technological wizardries, the library is more than just a haven for books; it is a melting pot of all sorts of media, designed to enlighten and amaze.
2. Get the child a subscription to a magazine of his/her choice, with your guidance, of course. Children love seeing their names and will excitingly read the book that is just for them. Also, depending on the type of magazine selected, children might get their first “peek” at a job that may interest them.
3. Give your children daily tasks that are their singular responsibilities. This will teach the importance of “pulling their own weight”, preparing them for the work world of tomorrow.
4. Though they can be expensive, a pet is a wonderful “gift” for a child. Whether it is four-legged, six-legged, finned, or winged, a pet is ideal in teaching responsibility and, indirectly, compassion, patience, and humility.
5. Spirituality is an essential to ethical development; thus, regular fellowship with like-minded individuals is a must. It doesn’t matter if it is a church, synagogue, mosque, tent, or the confines of one’s own home.
6. Become familiar with the media of which your child is introduced. Though it is hard to keep up with the changes that occur in entertainment/technology, it is mandatory that parents do their best to be abreast of what “enters” the home.
7. If your child is of school age, make visits to announced gatherings or even set up appointments to meet with your child’s teacher. It would also be advantageous to volunteer, if possible, in your child’s class. Not only will the teacher welcome the help but also, for some children, it will be a badge of honor to have “Mom” or “Dad” to come into the classroom.
8. Be an informed voter. Politicians that really do not have an adequate knowledge base about or vested interest in America’s schools have meted out too many changes in the education system. An educated electorate can assure that schools are adequately funded and equipped to meet the needs of each child.
9. Praise your child as much as possible. Allow him/her to express his/her feelings and thoughts about preferences and dislikes. Have daily conversations with your child and avoid shouting matches. There is no “winner” in verbal jousts. Orderly and mutually respected “chats” will allow you and your child to bond and, perhaps, set the stage for a “discovery” that will be rewarding for both parties.
10. But, most of all, remember that you are the parent and are in charge. Too many parents want to be “friends” with their children, forgetting that they have the task of being the primary example of how that child will act when he/she is outside of the parent’s eyesight. By being role models for awareness of socially acceptable behavior, parents can be sure that their children will always make the right decisions and positively interact with teachers and peers alike.

Most of the aforementioned “tips” are familiar but a little “refresher” can go a long way in benefiting the teacher, the school, the community, and the child.