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Instill pride
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After reading numerous letters and articles regarding the importance to young children of good parents, teachers and leaders, I would like to add the importance specifically of instilling pride. Pride -- different from cockiness or arrogance -- comes with hard work, good plans and, finally, achievement.
As a concerned citizen, parent, grandparent and teacher (university level), I have recognized that a child or young adult with pride that has been earned has a greater chance at being successful throughout life. They have a greater chance at accepting life's many challenges and temptations and coming away mostly unscathed.
Instilling pride in a youngster begins with prideful parents (two is better) who radiate a sense of earned dignity and self-respect; who possess a humble self-esteem, which may be derived from their parents, their work, family life, religious life, community life; and who make a commitment to instill that pride in their children. Of course it is not easy -- children also learn from their peers and neighborhoods. Parents must be parents (not friends) and guide and correct their children who "get off course."
Children with pride instilled from their family would not consider illegal, uncivil or unlawful activity. This negative behavior would embarrass their family and themselves.
Egotism and arrogance that some parents instill in their children often leads to frustrating behavior, failure and ostracism. The world around us does not owe us anything but possibly a chance to compete. Well-grounded family pride can and will help your child(ren) through life's many challenges.
WILLIAM F. REPACK
Moon
First Published February 19, 2013 12:00 am
