Parents What Are Your Expectations for Your Child
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Posted By: William Jackson on August 13, 2013 Parents What Are Your Expectations for Your Child The school year draws close, parents are concerned about the outward appearance of their children; rightly so, children represent their respective families and generational lineage(family history). No parent wants their children to look scruffy especially the first week of school. The concerns of parents in their dressing of their child or children is a representation of the physical appearance that creates the initial impressions that are temporary and quickly fleeting during the school year. The question: “What kind of child are you raising?” is thought provoking and a serious discussion that inquires are parents preparing their children mentally and emotionally for school? Have parents encouraged excellence using positive words and positive expectations? Are parents purchasing educational materials; dictionaries, reference guides, educational DVD’s library cards and museum memberships? Are parents talking too, not yelling at their children about their high expectations for proper behaviors and scholarly participation(being a good student)? I have heard in the past too many parents verbally threaten, demean, dress down, embarrass and curse out their children as the school year approaches and during the school year. Their (parents) excuse or reason children need to know that they mean business. Comments such as these shape and mold a child’s mind. It potentially creates a personality that the perception is they deserve to be beat, they deserve to be yelled at and cursed at. These actions only reinforce in a child’s mind that violence should be accepted and maybe even welcomed to be a good student. As a parent, an educator, and a mentor I urge parents to think about and seriously consider two statements by two well known men. Both are parents and known globally for their wisdom in their respective professions. The Power of Education The Power of Education Einstein stated, ”Way of thinking should be taught to all children, to be tenacious in the way they think, to solve problems even though they may take years.” Einstein 2007 This is related to the elements of STEAM Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics This progressive and multi-integrated way to teach empowers students for 21st century careers. Opening doors to careers of “Content Creators” (Bill Gates), the value of being human capital in a global economy based on a foundation of knowledge. Malcolm X stated simply that, “Education is the passport to the future. Tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” Malcolm X promoted learning and understanding. He is known to read ferociously and regularly sharing his knowledge when applying it to Blacks and people of color. Even Whites in some cases when directed at education shared Malcolm X views on the importance of education on a global foundation. It is a parents responsibility to help TRAIN a child’s mind not to beat it and curse it into submission. Even the bible states to train up a child as they should go. Einstein also stated that, “The value of education is the training of the mind to think.” What a profound statement from a man from humble beginnings. He faced prejudice, racism and death from his Jewish heritage, living in the time of Nazi Germany. He became a successful professor, scholar, and Nobel Peace Prize winner for his theory of Relativity and other successes. This did not happen overnight it took years of dedication, collaboration, research and using the elements of STEAM. This being said, parents prepare your children for potential careers. Read to you children, provide positive educational experiences and expose them to positive people that will lead them in the right direct. Parents must train up their children the way they should go, valuing education and those who are progressive, educated and doing good things in their community. Parents should ask themselves who would they want their child to follow; who would they want their children to be like. Children soak up their environmental residue. If you constantly beat a child physically and verbally something will break. Too many children are becoming broken, this is seen painfully through the comments from students that they can’t do math and science is too hard. Students are closing their minds because they are scared to be challenged, scared to learn from being wrong and scared to be recognized at being intellectual in their learning levels. Teachers are preparing their classrooms to teach. To encourage learning, building literacy and comprehension skills. Creating foundational levels for higher order and critical thinking skills. Parents need to be the first model for educational value, parents think about the kind of child or children you are raising. Do you want them be better than you in life: do you want them to be better financially, educationally, socially and even spiritually? The keys are involvement, attending Open House, participating in PTA and even going to a School Board meeting. Being proactive in scheduling Parent / Teacher conferences before there are problems. Parents, think about what type of child/children are you raising for the 2013-2014 school year and beyond. Albert Einstein encouraged curiosity. Believing there is a purpose for curiosity and exploration in all of us no matter our color or culture. Reading several books, Einstein (Walter Isaacson) and Malcolm X A Life of Reinvention (Manning Marable), shows that education overcomes cultural divides, economic challenges and removal of the denial to learning. Parents should teach their children to embrace learning, enjoy learning and create learning environments in their homes. “The ceasing of the school to prison pipeline starts at home, parents create atmospheres of educational imprisonment or educational enlightenment” William Jackson 2013 Fathers this school year take your children to school. Start a positive tradition of educational excellence based on love, trust and high expectations. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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William Jackson
Enigineering Educator, Duval County Public Schools South Carolina State University class of 1985 Member Since October 2008 |
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