Tag Archives: character education

Making Sense Is Underrated

Why yes, please, my dear 2-year-old, go right ahead and play demolition derby with grandma’s glass figurines on that solid marble countertop.  It’s so much better than watching you have an epic meltdown because of my concern for your safety. When was the last time that choice was a viable option for a parent? You know that what you do for your children is for their own good.  Unfortunately, most kids could care less about the rules of parenthood.  In fact, the vast majority of what you do to ensure their well being makes absolutely no sense to them. They … Continue reading →

Modeling Biblical Courage

God places virtue as more valuable than wealth.  Worldly wealth is temporary and does not please God.  A virtuous life is one that pleases the Lord and lives eternally.  Virtue is not to be defined by the world but defined by moral excellence rooted in the Word of God.  A virtuous heart makes wise decisions, even during times of adversity, based on the Lord’s leading. Courage is demanded if one allows virtue to manifest in our Christian walk. The most effective way to teach courage is by displaying courage. Daughters who are still learning to use the Word of God … Continue reading →

Is Homeschooling Worth It–Just for Character?

I have said before that despite being a fairly conservative Christian, religion has nothing to do with our homeschool decision. We homeschool because we feel like sending out kids to public school would be educationally neglectful. (Ironic isn’t it?) But there is no doubt that the character traits they pick up from being at home make them some of the most polite children on the block. Although we have not homeschooled solely for the purpose of our children’s character, the outcome and influence is undeniable. I know that many would say that their children attend public school, and their child’s … Continue reading →

Stressing the Need for Diligence

As a teacher, community worker, after school program director, and neighborhood advocate, I cannot tell you how many kids I meet that want to become famous: a pro-ball player, a singer, an actress. . .you name it. Even my own daughter wants to become a rock star. They mostly dream of the money I think. You and I know that the chances are one in a million for that singing diva in my library tutoring group to become the next “Jenny from the block.” But she doesn’t see it that way. She sees it as not impossible. To each student … Continue reading →

Students Should Be In School Today. . .

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. All over the city, there are memorials, exhibitions, services, and speeches to honor Dr. King. Since kids have off from school, most are probably at home, playing video games, or hanging out. Maybe some more conscientious parents have taken some time to take their kids out to learn, but even as I write, I see kids hanging out on the streets. For them, it’s another day off of school and business as usual. Teachers Should Teach. . . The entirety of the famous “I Have a Dream” speech. I am sad to say … Continue reading →

Give Your Kids Reasons

Children by nature are impulsive. They rarely think before acting. They do not understand the cause and effect relationship and as a result are often surprised that their actions may result in discipline. Young children are also extremely self-centered usually not thinking beyond what they want. They do not realize how their actions can affect someone else. So as a parent it is important that you teach your children why things do and do not happen. They also need to know how their actions impact themselves and others. The best way to teach your children about the why’s in life … Continue reading →

Character Education Begins at Home

This is a day and age I often refer to as the “pass the buck” age. Parents, more and more often, are expecting more and more out of everyone else but themselves. Daycare providers are being asked to do more than keep little Billy and Emma safe while Mom and Dad are at work. Now they are expected to potty train, teach foreign languages and begin teaching the Three R’s as to prepare the kids for Kindergarten. By the time children reach Kindergarten, more and more parents are less and less available making full-day Kindergarten the norm. And so it … Continue reading →