3 R’s + the 'C Word'

Have you ever watched someone you love make choices that are detrimental? I think that is one of the toughest things…to stand idly by and all you can do is pray when someone makes choices that will eventually lead to that person’s harm.

This makes me think about what we teach children. We teach them the 3 R’s, (Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic) as the foundation for success. I believe that success is so much more than just learning these important skills. Success each day is made up by the choices and decisions that individuals make. It’s the “big C” word—choices! And yet, that is not an important part of the curriculum. Never before in our history have we had so many teens having babies. Never before in our history have we had so many youths having sexually transmitted diseases. Never before in our history have we had so much disrespect from children.

I believe that it is time that we teach our youth to make appropriate choices. How do you do this? You begin by being a powerful role model of integrity yourself. That’s big!!! Be a person with strong values, a person who makes wise choices.

When children engage in appropriate behaviors, tell them, “Good choice.” When they behave inappropriately, tell them, “I hope you will make a better choice next time.”

Tell stories of people with integrity and talk about the choices they made. Have discussions about this.

Those are all good starts. Let’s not fail our children. Let’s start together to add to the 3 R’s the “C” word—choices, so that we will help our children be the best they can be.

Have a great day. You are a difference maker.

Maryln