While many classroom teachers will experience a hiatus for the next several weeks from their typical environment their students remain in the classroom of life. No matter what your vocation you are a teacher too. Your daily actions, as they unfold before the eyes of a child provide lessons for them to learn. You are a teacher. What we are teaching children impacts each of us.

What we are teaching children begins with us. They are absorbing the components of their environments almost around the clock daily.

As they see you, hear you, or are touched by you on an emotional level they are processing the information. We know that newborns are able to show love. Many suggest that before arrival the “little bundle” can know the love of its parents. It could be that all of our five senses are equipped to receive and process love.

I have fond memories of my husband talking to each of our four children while in utero when I was pregnant, many, many moons ago. It has been my prayer that they have always, and will continue to know that they are loved.

Not a Parent

For those of you that are not parents or whose children may have moved to another season of life outside of the confines of your roof, or influence, you have children to teach. Those children are in your neighborhood, at the library, in the market, at the movie theater, where you purchase gas or a smoothie. Wherever there are children there is a classroom and a teacher.

When thinking about the last twelve hours or so. How many times did you come in contact with a youth? Do you see eyes peering at you from a passing car? Did you take the time to smile at an adorable toddler in a busy mall? Those were all lessons, in our shared global classroom, examples of what we are teaching children.

Childfree home, or not we all have a responsibility to teach children. In the Bible on several occasions as recorded in the books of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus the Christ reminds us not to “suffer the little children”, but rather allow them to come to Him the Master Teacher. He set an example and found the time to teach children.

Learning takes place daily everywhere. Whenever children are present, what are they learning from you? Yes, the school boards have a responsibility as do numerous government agencies that establish and review teaching methods and curriculum. Still you have a responsibility too. What are you teaching children?

We are Teaching Children

Children learn a great deal by what they see and experience. Television and movies are a big part of what they see and offer a limited experience. Many children are watching television on cell phones and computers. According to Kay Uzoma in her recent article “How Much TV Does the Average Child Watch Each Day?” for LiveStrong.com  she reports the following:

“More than 70 percent of children ages 8 to 18 have TVs in their bedrooms, according to the University of Michigan Health System. More than 35 percent have cable or satellite-TV access. Criticism of the effects of TV on children is documented. But with your guidance, TV can also be a positive influence in your child’s life.”

The negative aspects associated with youth viewing television include: increased violent behavior, lack of empathy, obesity, disease, isolation from family, lowered academic performance, and diminished interpersonal skills. Children are said to be the future, is this the future you desire?

Do all of these negative outcomes occur with all children? No. However, given the choice which outcomes would you choose for your child? What do you choose for the “Internet Generation?” What will the future hold for those impacted by the negative aspects of television?

The reasoning centers of the brain are generally not fully developed until somewhere around the age of 25. Proper learning before the age of twenty-five can improve the likelihood of better outcomes. Guidance through conversations that promote: critical thinking, good decision making, impulse control, logical thinking and risk management are contributions you can make in the lives of our learning youth.

We all have an opportunity to impact the lives of these dear ones. Over the summer during the time many youth are talking about being bored and wanting to vegetate before some electronic device designed to entertain them, or looking for some excitement. Take a moment to provide some valuable guidance.

It can be as simple as a comment on a situation offering another experience, which may be unpopular yet reflects the healthy values that you have come to know and align with the word of God. There are a multitude of nonprofit organizations working with youth. Sign up to volunteer even once a month would help.

If there are youth in your family make a commitment to invest in the future. Use your words and your loving heart. Ask them about events in the news or television programs. Listen to what they say and talk about what you have experienced. Give them insight on how you analyze a situation and make good choices. Your sincere conversations will go a long way in helping them to learn to use critical thinking while they learn in the classroom of life.

No matter who you are, or what you think your job description includes we all have a responsibility when it comes to teaching children. Oh, and if you happen to be under twenty-five be aware your brain could use some input from the real life experiences of others whose brains are more developed. It would do all of us good to seek wise counsel. School may be out but class is in session, we are teaching children.

Begin to notice and improve what you are teaching children! Take Inventory and Take Action!

Love,

Deborah

“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”