Another Successful School Year
It’s the beginning of the school year and the kids look great. They have new clothes, books, pencils, pens everything to make the educational experience a success. Unfortunately, I find one thing noticeable about the parents themselves. Some parents think because they bring their kids to the “high priced babysitter’s aka teachers”, that they will be absolved of the responsibilities of their child’s education. What does that mean?
I will explain this concept by using an obscure example. Years ago, there was an athlete who participated in the Olympics. The sport was hockey. Their team won. The team was ecstatic and proud. This young man scored the winning point. All the fans were shouting. I even saw some of the other countries cheering. When you saw this young man, you can see he was not paying attention to the cheering crowd. There was something else on his mind. He was searching for his dad. All the adoration from the crowd meant nothing. He wanted something nobody on earth could give him. Dads love, blessing and pride. No billionaire, entertainer or sexy lady can give him that. I worked for a famous person years ago. Every time this person made a professional victory, he/she wrote a letter to his/her parents to share the victory with them. The tone of the notes sounded like a little girl/boy’s note to mommy. Showing the parent “mommy, look what I did. Yes, parents, you are the most important and influential person in your child’s life. There isn’t even a close second. When a young Dorothy Hamil, Olympic winner and famous ice skater, thought she was being attacked by an audience in 1974 she ran to the arms of her father – right off the ice. She did not look for her coach.
When kids accomplish major goals, they don’t look for childhood hero’s, athletes, entertainment personalities, friends or even teachers for celebration. They look to you, mom and dad. It’s not to say that grandpa, grandma, auntie, uncle, and siblings are not important – they are. It is just that you are the first line of defense. They are looking for someone who loves them more than life itself. Someone who nourishes them physically, morally, emotionally, spiritually and financially. A bond so powerful that not even death can break it. In the nursing homes, clients are constantly crying out for mommy. On the battlefields when men are at death's door it is the mom they cry out to. With these examples, I hope you understand why teachers rely on parents as the first line of defense in the education of their children. Please, mom and dad, think about what I am saying the next time a teacher calls to speak to you. Without you, it’s not impossible but your motivation is what will push your child to a victorious life.
Sigrid Channer
