Generation Next – The Importance of Education and Learning
Education is important. Knowledge is power. Proper application of knowledge is wisdom.
The most universal desire of parents is to see their children succeed in life.
The primary responsibility for providing children with a quality education belongs to the parents. And as parents or guardians we need to make sure we never confuse education with nurturing intelligence and common sense.
Education at its core is more than just teaching our young people the skills that are needed for a job. It's also about passing on to each new generation the values that serve as the foundation and cornerstone of our society. Empowering our young people with the ability to make the crucial moral distinctions between right and wrong; nurturing their maturity and ability to understand that all that we have and achieve in this world comes first from our Creator. I believe that in our homes, we are to demonstrate and set the example of a lifestyle of character, leadership, service, stewardship, and worship.
That's how I see it. Others may see it different, but I believe the bottom line is the same – to see our children be successful in their relationships, successful in all areas of their lives and a benefit to others along the way.
We are our children's primary influence and role models. We set them up for either failure or success.
Because of that, it is necessary to be intimately involved in our children's education. If we are not going to Back to School nights, if we are not reading and reviewing their texts, and if we are not asking our children lots of questions about the educational process and what they are learning, we are not only missing the boat, but we don't even have a ticket.
I have found it necessary to constantly supplement what is lacking, what is out of balance, or what is just plain wrong with what is being taught to my children. It is important and it is necessary to know and discern the difference between truth and social relativism.
Like I stated in a previous post "What Were You thinking?!"
http://www.rantrave.com/Rant/What-Were-Y..."A teacher's job is to teach. That means imparting information and knowledge and showing how that knowledge can be applied.
It is a parent's job is to teach AND to raise their kids in a loving and nurturing environment.
When handled properly, parents equip the child to be a healthy, responsible adult by being healthy and responsible adults themselves. The power and authority is systematically transferred over time from the parent to the child."
That is the real core of the educational process.
One can have a dozen degrees and still be a loser in life. One can be knowledgeable of facts, yet mentally bankrupt when it comes to what is really important.
For instance many may find themselves loaded with cash but no real friends; Married but miserable; Employed but totally dissatisfied. Again, the difference between education and intelligence. Knowledge versus common sense. Existence versus purpose.
Simply stated, we are to constantly, and consistently train our children in what is right, wherever we are and in whatever we are doing. In other words, every family should have the conviction of giving their children solid academic as well as value based education.
Always remember, "Do as I say, not do as I do" is a death sentence to any teaching or influence you have with young people. You must walk the talk. You can't tell your child not to lie, cheat or steal while you practice those things. That may seem obvious, but to many it is not.
As an examples, the public school systems teach evolution as the only "scientifically" relevant explanation of why things are they way they are despite the fact that everything thing modern genetics teaches is contrary to it. So what end up being passed off as "science" turns out to be nothing more than a faith-based world-view. A weak one at that. Do we just let that go?
If you believe in a lifestyle that is pure; if you are teaching your children that physical relationships are sacred and are to be reserved for married men and women; that when a female becomes pregnant she is "with child"; then you must understand that everything you teach your children at home with regard to that is being undermined in their "Health Class." The public school actual promotes ways for students to be impure, immoral and irresponsible. So what are we to do?
We are to be active participants in their education, not passive observers. We are to pass the power to them. We are to be conveyors of truth and we are to empower them so that they may stand up for what is right and not roll over when their beliefs and values are challenged.
We are to be allies with the teachers in our children's education. But that does not mean anything goes. When there are the inevitable problems or situations, they need to be addressed. We need to be proactive. Parenting is not for wimps. This is important stuff.
We are fortunate to live in a country that has a "free" education system. My family in particular has also been fortunate to live in a municipality that has a good educational system even if it's not perfect.
Any parent or guardian who does not take an active role in the education of their children is being irresponsible.
But, I'll tell you what, one day when Aldous Huxley or Margaret Sanger wants to argue with them at the dinner table, many will be rudely awakened to the indoctrination they permitted while sitting on the sidelines. But they should not be surprised.
Young people follow. May it always be said that we led them down the right path. Time will tell if we did.
Thank you for reading.
HN