Children Are the Promise of Tomorrow

August 26, 2001

I especially become lonesome for the children this time of year. My former students are pictures in my scrapbook of cherished memories. I still get a lump in my throat when I pass a school, see children at play or hear a school bell.

Thirty-one years of teaching taught me many things about building successes in children. I will share what I feel are the most important ones.

Partnering with the teacher in working together for your child's success is vital. Get acquainted with your child's teacher. Offer to help with special projects such as field trips, parties, classroom assistance, etc. Be interested in every activity in your child's room. Communicate with your child's teacher about your child's progress and ask for suggestions that will help reinforce those concepts at home. Appreciate the teacher and his or her hard work. The children may go home at 3 o'clock, but the teacher's room often becomes his or her second home.

Pray with your child for the teacher. Those prayers build respect and love in the child's heart. After prayers, tuck your child in bed with a kiss.

Encourage your child with positive words. Children have a way of rising to the level of words spoken over them. Use some of these examples: "You are important to me. You worked hard. You figured it out. I have faith in you. Keep at it. Go for it. Look how far you've come. I am so proud of you. I love you because of who you are and I will always love you. You have special gifts and you are God's gift to me."

Your child's self esteem is crucial for his or her well being. Be free with compliments. Your child needs to hear at least one compliment a day for good self image. Say "I love you often." It can never be said too many times, whether your child is 6 or 60, everyone needs to hear these words.

Finally, laugh with your child. A sense of humor makes a calm and happy atmosphere. A house filled with love and laughter guarantees success. Children are learning about life and their childlike innocence and faith warms my heart. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we kept the spirit of children inside us? A child at play has complete abandonment and trust. A child lives life with gusto. Children take great pleasure in simple ordinary every day things. Their world is full of wonder and excitement. When our youngest son was small he awakened early every morning with exuberance, saying "I've got to get up in a hurry and get to playing to have a happy day!"

To all the children and teachers: "May you have happy days and a happy school year!"