Early Fall 2008

Dear Friends,

Another school year is underway; where has summer gone? I remember the back-to-school excitement I felt each Fall as a child: new school dresses (girls were not allowed to wear pants and no one, boys or girls, wore shorts except for PE), new notebook and pencils, and a baby food jar the teacher would fill with paste. We all sat quietly, hands folded on top of our desks, all desks bolted to the floor and facing forward, looking at the blackboard where the teacher had written her name, and the Class Rules.

No computers, no cell phones, no videos, DVDs or any other electronics. Those had yet to be invented. Despite the fact that my classmates and I were “deprived” by today’s standards, and had few of the opportunities parents today consider so essential for a “well rounded” child, my generation grew up without these. But, funny thing, we ended up inventing many of these devices, even without exposure to them as youngsters!

What we did have was a much more relaxed, less hurried childhood than most children have today. As children, we never heard the word “stress” or ADD or ADHD or oppositional defiant disorder. Firm limits that were enforced with swift and sure consequences, discipline, and consistent expectations from all the adults in our lives that we would behave, all led to happy, well-behaved children for the most part. Classrooms were certainly not in chaos, nor did teachers spend their time struggling with so many disobedient children. We were not perfect; but our problems were minimal compared to what we see so commonly today.

I came across an old black-and-white public school class photo from the 1950’s. The teacher stood in the back of the room, ramrod straight as she presided over the 35 or so students seated in the neat rows of desks. The only teaching tools appeared to be the ubiquitous blackboard, a globe, and the cursive handwriting charts running along the top of the blackboard. Class size was large by today’s standards and there were no teaching assistants.

There was a chart on one wall exhorting us: “Come to Learn. Leave to Serve.” Good attitudes, for sure. Another chart listed what was expected of us and others. It is a lesson in citizenship as well as good manners that is as timely today as it was 50+ years ago. This was in a public school and reflects society’s expectations for children at that time. Perhaps you will find it useful in your home or child’s school.

Good Citizens:
Begin Work Promptly
Finish Work Started
Never Waste Time
Are Kind
Go to Church and Are Reverent
Love Their Homes
Seek Knowledge
Are Thrifty
Love Their Country
Obey Traffic Laws
Have Self Control
Have Good Health Habits

It is just as interesting to note what was omitted from this list. I do not see, “show respect to your teacher and to each other, keep your hands to yourself, don’t hit, pinch or kick, do not speak out of turn, no running indoors, no chewing gum, no knives or other weapons.” There were certain basic standards of behavior that were taught, and enforced, at home. We came to school with those firmly planted in our minds and, if we should “forget,” we would be immediately and firmly reminded! I did not know any adults at that time who would tolerate misbehavior or disrespect from any child.

As this school year gets underway, share this “flashback to the 50’s” with your children and talk about your expectations of them. Be sure that you model these attributes as well. Do you obey traffic laws, and rules in your community? Do you exhibit self control by waiting patiently in traffic, in the line at the grocery store? Are you thrifty and careful how you spend money? Do you model good health habits by exercising and eating right? Do you show love for your home by spending time caring for it so it is a place of rest and order? Children are great “copy cats” and learn more from what they see us do than from what we say. Demonstrate the qualities in your own life that you are trying to develop in your children.

Children represent you and their family when they are in public. As Christians, they also represent Jesus Christ to others. Help them look in the mirror and see themselves as the world sees them. Then teach and train them so they mature and grow into Godly adults. The most important things your children will learn this year they will learn at home, not just at school. You are your child’s most important, and influential teacher! Seek the Lord’s wisdom and strength as you train your children.

Until next time ~

Yours in Him,

 

Copyright, 2008, Laurie Latour.  www.FutureChristianHomemakers.com

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