The single most influential factor in your child's education is, in a word, you. Not the school, not the teacher, not the learning environment, but the parent.
Of all the lessons you will ever teach, which is the most important?
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Some parents, feeling inadequate, look for ways to punt the "education" ball to others who seem more qualified. Other parents are eager and idealistic but eventually become overwhelmed because they mistakenly believe they are supposed to be their children's only teachers.
Strive to maintain a balanced stance. God's plan includes an encouraging community of partners who will share the task of teaching your child. Give thanks for every person who walks beside you on the journey, but make it your business to stay involved with your children and be in touch at all times. Educational researchers overwhelmingly confirm that, in your own child's education, no one can adequately take your place.
Everything you do and say positive or negative teaches something. And the "lessons" you teach are the foundation and framework of your child's motivation to learn more.
Of all the lessons you will ever teach, which is the most important? Jesus answers this question for us. Seize every opportunity in your child's development is to teach this Number One of all lessons: "Love the Lord your God with of all your heart and soul and mind" (Matthew 22:36-40).
To impart this lesson well, you will need to:
- Delight yourself in loving God first.
- Speak and act in love.
- Accept your need for connectedness and support.
- Express love with routine creativity.
- Adjust your life to "be there" for your kids.
- Ask the most strategic schooling question.
