by Marilyn C. Arayata
IT’S amazing how the way a person was raised as a child can influence this person’s adult life, and consequently – the lives of those around him. “No man is an island”. Whether they are good or bad, our behaviors affect other people even when they no longer see us. Long after our relatives are gone, their lives still affect us and our choices. What personal habits, values and practices were influenced by your parents and grandparents?
Children cannot just show generosity or selfishness, concern or indifference, humility or self-pride. They cannot just say healing words or hurting words without thinking of the results. They cannot just understand simple yet important concepts like working and saving for what they want, respecting other people, obeying rules, giving importance to education, and taking care of their health. Adults must have modeled or allowed something, until it became a child’s own habit. Adults must have explained and emphasized something, or simply kept quiet. Values are caught and taught.
Jane Addams, a social reformer and co-winner of the 1931 Nobel Peace Prize once said, “America’s future (and any country’s future) will be determined by the home and the school. The child becomes largely what he is taught; hence we must watch what we teach, and how we live”.
Sometimes adults are tempted to give up because their words, actions, and prayers do not seem to have any effect. Do everything in your power to help young people develop good habits, values, and practices. Be patient. If you will give up, who might just succeed?
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