The importance of training our children
Date Posted: Friday, March 21, 2008Author: Pastor Maria Seaman
Faith
Latest Articles:
- Raising the standard of childcare
- The changes needed in our education system
- God’s word is a mirror
- Saving energy, saving the environment
- The importance of training our children
- Bermuda’s bike laws - don’t punish responsible riders
- Conscription and the young black male
- Parenting: why court isn’t the answer
- Bermuda 2008: Tourism and Hospitality
- The possibilities and pitfalls of growing up in Bermuda
Search In Depth:
Yes, the longer I live, the more I continue to admire the relevance of the Bible and the instructions found therein. The Bible clearly states that it is best for parents to train up their children. You know, while they are tender; while they are cute; while they can do no wrong, this is the very best time for parents to choose to do one of two things:
- We can look beyond their cute ways and train them anyway.
- We can become enamored by their cuteness and refuse to train them.
Either way, it is going to be quite an experience in reality - the raising of our children in this modern, permissive and sinful world. Indeed, for those of us who do take out the necessary time to train our children, we stand with baited breath at times, hoping and praying that our children do not cause others to question whether we have done our godly and moral duty in rearing them to have good manners and to obey the Golden Rule.
Last week Tuesday, as I dropped something off to one of my girls, I was met by a young male student. He came to me; we greeted each other; I asked him the normal questions, “How are you doing? Are you behaving yourself?” I was glad that he gave me an affirmative answer to both questions.
Then he quickly proceeded to tell me how he almost “lost it”. He almost “jumped in” to defend his ace-boy. Apparently, there had been a fight involving two gangs (Town and someone - I forget). I looked in the eyes of my former student and quickly thought of the challenges that face our young black males.
What is going on in our Island? What have I permitted to go on? How can I help? Can there be change? For here was a bright student, who was in a place that should be considered a “safe place”, but perhaps is really no longer as safe as it should be in order to protect him from the dangers that lurk around the many corners in Bermuda.
I spoke to him, while on my way to the airport, and encouraged him. I let him know that I was so very proud of him for refusing to enter into the fight. It was not easy for him, because his friend was hurt. I let him know that he should not become involved because it would jeopardize his entire future, if he did so. I hugged him and then made my way to catch my flight.
I realized that I had gone to the school, not to simply drop something off for my child, but to run into this student and have this conversation with him. As I made my way to the airport, I listened to some music, and thought. I thought about life and in particular I thought about life for our youth.
There are those who have not been trained, and we know it. There are parents who need some serious help. If we do not begin to seriously address this situation, what will our public schools look like in another five years?
There are those who have been trained, but still face daily challenges in making right decisions. Unfortunately, while parents think that their child is safe at school; this may not necessarily be the case.
Then there are those who are trained and they do make the right decisions. How unfortunate that their education is hindered by others.
While I write this column somewhat saddened, I cannot stay there. For God will allow us to begin to make a change and make a difference in helping to save Bermuda’s children. God bless them all.