Over a month ago, I was visiting with a childhood friend of mine in Baltimore. We've kind of lost touch along the way, but in recent years (like most people the world over), have reconnected on the social media platform known as Facebook. It was the first time that I have had the chance to see her all grown up and with a family of her own. I had met her husband and two little girls, and yet a third one on the way! Having spent some quality time with her and her family, I couldn't help but be amazed by the interaction between them. I have never before been in a house with little children (4 and under) and see such a calm and quiet atmosphere. Granted, it is a house with little girls, who most everyone would agree, are the less rambunctious gender. I am not trying to judge anyone on the roles of parenthood. For one, I am not yet a parent and for another, there are many ways in which one could be a shining example of a parent (I know of many). However, being that I have spent the last few years working as a teacher with children ages 2 to 17, I'd have to say that kids these days are not quite like they used to be. Now that I think about it, parents are not quite like they used to be either.
Ever since the beginning of time, kids have always looked up to their parents, always trying to please them (sometimes, even doing something they don't really care for but feel it is what is expected of them). Parents would, in turn, praise their children and make it a point to attend various school functions to show their support.
These days, however, parents no longer make the effort or have the time. With everyone putting their careers first (for whatever the reason), priorities are no longer what they used to be. PTO meetings and other school functions are greatly lacking in parent attendance. Because of this, you find that these days, children not only do not care for school, but are unmotivated, not driven, and lack enthusiasm. This is perhaps because they feel what is the point when no one will be there to share in their successes and/or accomplishments. So then, often, they choose to do outrageous things just to get attention from their parents who would otherwise be too pre-occupied.
We need to think of a way to improve and to make change within our societies. How could we possibly teach our children that education is important, yet we do nothing to support it other than pay for it? We need to not only provide, but encourage, support, praise, and congratulate where and when it is due. All of this starts within one's home.
Take, for example, my friend from Baltimore. She and her husband are great at leading by example. They always speak in low, soft tones no matter if they are speaking to each other or to the children. The children, in turn, speak in low, soft tones. Manners are taught right from the very beginning (and here I thought that such a thing no longer existed!). This was witnessed when we adults were sitting at the dinner table having a conversation and the oldest daughter said "Excuse me" prior to interrupting us and speaking. T.V. is hardly allowed. Instead, they spend quality time sitting together as a family reading books and playing together. They even have "centers" set up for the children to play on their own.
How would you discipline your children? What sort of privileges would you allow (i.e., T.V., telephone calls, computer)? Would you allow such interruptions during meal time, which was once considered family time? Would you teach your children proper behavior such as manners and etiquette? Are you willing to lead by example whether it's by action or by words?
