Parents must lead kids along the right paths

A Caller Times - Guest Editorial

Last week, at the regular meeting of the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi, 200 community leaders with an average age of approximately 54 plus were read to by Dr. John Jenson of Texas A&M, Kingsville. 

Dr. Jenson Shared his insights on a project which resulted in the book, Stories That Must Not Die, written by Dr. Juan Sauvageau.  As Dr. Jenson actually read several of the childrens stories, I wondered (and worried) about how this was going to go over with a group of sophisticated business leaders.

As I watched the crowd from the head table, I could see that they were absolutely spellbound!  This was, obviously, a group of individuals who had been read to in their youth and they were enjoying it again! 

I wondered, as I watched these men and women, community leaders all, enjoying good stories with a clear moralistic message, . . . had anyone read good stories, with a moral, to the shooters in Colorado?  When they were forming their opinions of right and wrong, did parents or others read good literature to them?... or did they just let them do their own thing and allow TV or movies to provide for their moral guidance?

Their parents may have done everything right.  We dont know, and probably wont know the answer to these and other questions.  So, lets ask questions that we can answer.

For example, we can ask, what was done in the raising of those who are successful... both young and old?  What are the ingredients that went into their success?  Ill bet you will normally find a love of reading, started with someone reading good stories in that persons youth.   Ill bet that, even with those successes who came from single parent families or broken homes, you will find that there was someone... a parent or other significant adult, who helped by providing structure, positive expectations and a strong clear sense of what is right and what is wrong. 

Parents, whatever your family structure is, remember this... You are in charge, not the children.  It is possible to be loving and caring, and still be a strong leader.

Here is a quote my father used with me, in junior high school, as I expressed my not wishing to go to church one Sunday.  He said... John, I apologize and I am very sorry if I have somehow given you the impression that this family is always a democracy.  It is not!  While you live with us, your Mother and I call the shots and, although your normally good opinions are frequently considered, please understand that church attendance is not optional in this family.  That phrase and logic was used several times in my youth and I must confess that I have found myself using that same logic as an adult. 

You have the right to give direction and guidance to your children.  You have the right to turn off the TV, and you have the right to select the shows your children view. 

Please consider reading good literature to your young children and take charge of their young lives, before someone or something else has greater influence.  Involve your children and yourself in wholesome activities and organizations which include the support of family values. 

Consider it an investment in their future which will pay real dividends, far beyond what the best of the stock market could produce.  You'll be glad you did.

John O. Thurston

President, The Rotary Club of Corpus Christi