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How Good Are Our Teachers?
By Bob Davidson, Canton
All adults, but especially parents, are teachers. Children learn as much by observing adult behavior as they do by what is said to them.
When it comes to morality, ethics and values—subjects avoided in school—children learn almost exclusively by observation. Just consider religion, honesty and obeying laws as observed by children and young adults.
If, as adults, we profess to believe in the God of the Bible, but if we never study or even read the Bible, if we fail to worship this God except when it doesn't interfere with other activities, what does this teach our children about our relationship with our God? If our faith in God appears to be of little importance and a low priority in our lives, why would we expect our children to live according to God's Word?
If we teach ethics by failing to report all our income according to federal tax codes, or don't tell a store clerk when they give us too much change, why would we be surprised if our children cheat or steal?
If, from the time a child is old enough to read, we don't stop at stop signs or drive within speed limits, and if we fail to dispose of hazardous waste in accordance with local, state and federal laws, why would we be surprised if our teenager dies in a high speed crash while on drugs?
We don't grade our teachers, but we can observe the products of their teaching. Do our young people respect themselves and others? Are they considerate on the highway? How do they behave at sporting events and public performances? Do they show proper respect to those in authority? The results tell us how well we are doing in creating a new society.
"If we want a better society, one in which we can take pride, and one in which we can live in harmony, then take this advice from Abraham Lincoln: "There is just one way to bring up a child in the way he should go and that is to travel that way yourself."
What are you teaching your child?
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