Guiding Light

No, not the soap opera. Strangely, I never got into Soaps, despite being addicted to trashy romance novels and being home during the day. I refer to guiding light as the role I see parents should play in their childrens' lives.

The period we live in is one of extreme political correctness, particularly in Washington, D.C. Somehow, liberal and Democrat have become synonymous with an open mindeness and a wariness to promote any single lifestyle or morality over another. So loathe are we to offend anyone, we often don't even know what beliefs we do stand for anymore. There is no black and white, just one big melting pot of gray.

This liberalism has translated itself into parenting. I don't just mean parents who are unwilling to discipline their children for fear of hindering creative souls or being the bad-guy. I also see parents shying away from offering a moral compass or guiding light.

For example, when children are under the age of 5, and older, I strongly believe that parents have the right and the responsibility to monitor and control details of their lives. This pertains to television programs, movies, playdates, toys and activities. Do not assume, because your child sounds like a rational, articulate adult that they actually are. Just because they can give you a five paragraph essay on why they want to see the new Spiderman movie, does not mean they are ready for it. It is ok to say no.

Lessons Matt and I try to teach our children:
1. Religion is important, not just spiritual belief, but every day practice. We teach this by sending them to a Jewish school, keeping a kosher home and observing a Sabbath meal.

2. Taking responsibility for your actions is key. I tell them all the time that I am more angry if they lie about writing on the wall with crayon then them writing on the wall. The lesson is then followed through by handing him a Magic Eraser and making them attempt to clean their mess up.

3. We live in a Community. We are part of a lot of different communities- our family, our school, our neighborhood and our city. It is important to be a giving and active member of all communities.

4. A sense of humor. Life is wacky- have fun.