It's time. School all over the nation is starting around this week. Parents have purchased school supplies, new school clothes, books and shoes to make sure their children are prepared to learn. But as parents, have we truly prepared them fully to be able to handle all school situations? Have we prepared them with a healthy, positive attitude toward others?
As parents, we set examples of all things we do and say for our children. We make efforts not to swear around them, or exhibit bad behavior of all forms. But by focusing on not setting bad examples, have we focused enough on really exhibiting good ones? What I mean by this is, have we truly shown them the "Golden Rule": "Do unto others as you would have do unto you?" "Treat others the way you would like to be treated?" Have we been good examples of showing kindness and compassion towards others? I believe this is the most important tool we can send our kids off to school with.
I was watching a segment on the news on how social media might be playing a big part on our kids' attitudes. It seems that there is this trend of narcissism that has arisen from kids becoming ultra-focused on themselves through media. And it does make sense. Hey, many of us have Facebook or MySpace accounts, where most information is delivered through "your" profile or account. Information desseminated through Twitter is usually about what "you" are doing or what is going on in "your" life. This is the example we have been setting for our kids that posting information solely about "you" is okay. It's all about 'them'. We are allowing them to form their attitudes through a very narcisstic means. 'Me, me, me' is what they are learning-not a very positive way to form healthy attitudes towards caring about one another. And of COURSE, there are posts over internet social sites where kid's provide information about how to help others through youth group, or charitable organizations-but it is a small percentage.
As a single parent, I strive extra hard to build a foundation of kindness, compassion and giving towards others for my kiddos. Sometimes there seems like there isn't always enough time or money to give, but that is when you go back to the teachings that tell us no matter how poor we are, we always have something to share with others. It might just be good information or a listening ear. But by instilling that positive value of caring, positive attitudes do emerge. This attitude stays with them for the rest of their lives.
Teach your children to be wise, strong and giving of themselves, to love people and enjoy being with them-this is their inner power. But remember, we as parents, show by example. Keep a healthy, positive attitude; show compassion; don't be afraid to give what you can-you will receive so much more by doing it. These are the essentials tools needed as the school year starts.
"If we do not plant knowledge when young, it will give us no shade when we are old." ~Lord Chesterfield
Happy School Year!
~Merri Lou
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