Victoria Thomas Poller

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" Prov. 22: 6

It’s time for our children to go back to school. Are you prepared? As parents, we are to raise our children to be conscientious citizens enabled with what I would like to introduce to you, as the “Six Pillars of Character”:

1. Trustworthiness - being honest & believable in word and deed. Are we making sure that they can be trusted? Are we instilling truthfulness into their lives through our example?
2. Respect - having a high regard for the other guy and yourself. Does our child think about other people? Can they see how what they may say or do would have an impact on someone else?
3. Responsibility - taking control, or management for one’s actions. Do they know that they have a choice between right and wrong; and that their choice will have consequences upon their decisive actions?
4. Fairness - impartial and just when rendering a verdict. Will our children be able to make intelligent decisions based upon facts and not just upon emotions?
5. Caring - giving attention or concern to something. If they could help someone else – would they? Would they give a good kitty if their friend were crying and needed someone to talk to?
6. Citizenship - specific privileges granted to a legal resident of a particular city, state or country. Are you (Mom & Dad) going to the polls to vote this November? Or will you give up your right to choose who you desire to be the Commander-In-Chief of this great land that we live in? Our parents had to endure many hardships so that We could enjoy the freedoms that our ancestors may not have had the privilege of enjoying.

Sure there are different degrees that we have to instruct our children. You wouldn’t talk to a two year old the same way that you would speak with a teenager. But the main idea is that You, as the parent, Do communicate with your children and mainly, lead by example.

“They’re God’s Children On Loan To Us”
“Now you’ve got them – what are you going to do with them?”
It’s a conjoined effort among parents, teachers, family, friends and children. Yes, it may take a village to raise a child - one child at a time.