We often hear it stated that the parents are the primary educators of their children. What does this mean to you? Why? How? In what capacity?
You and your spouse are the most important people in your children's lives. You more than anyone else will make a permanent mark, a tremendous impact on the future of your children. From the moment they are born, you are there. Even before they can walk and talk, they are watching your example, your words, your behavior. They are learning about your opinions, your attitudes, your values and your mannerisms.
No other community is more or as qualified as parents in raising children. Sometimes we feel anyone else could do a better job. This is not true. You may lack training, experience and patience, but you love your children more than anyone else. You are willing to sacrifice everything for them. You know them better than anyone else – their talents, their fears, their dreams, their character. You are in the most strategic location in their lives to guide them to greatness. We all go through moments where we question our effectiveness and worth as a parent. However, reject all pessimism and feelings of inadequacy. You are a good mom, and you can be better. You are irreplaceable. No one else – clergy, teachers or friends can influence the development of values as can a parent. By action or omission your child learns far more from you than from anyone else because of your loving relationship. It is a relationship that is intimate, intense, continuous and fixed. Your child will always be your son or daughter, no matter what their age. You are the most important person in your child's life.
Your children learn so much from you. Your home is their first experience of society on a very small scale. Your family really is the basic and most fundamental cell of society. When families are strong, society is strong. You have an awesome power to help your children become amazing adults who have great character, strong values and deep faith. Your children are formed by the example you give now. Aim high. Strive to be a better person each day. Love your children a lot. Give them your time. Invest your best self in their upbringing, not the leftovers. Realize that building a strong marriage must be your first priority. It will teach your kids so much about life, love, relationship, self-giving, generosity, commitment, forgiveness etc. We teach primarily by our example. By providing a loving, stable, harmonious home atmosphere, we help lay a deep solid foundation for the child's personality. History is written by ordinary people fulfilling their responsibilities in ordinary situations. Be faithful to your efforts to raise your family as best you can. Stay focussed and watch what happens. The history you are writing today will have an amazing impact on the legacy you leave behind tomorrow.