Are You Raising One of the Next Generation of Hoodlums – LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH

Dr. Joyce Willard Teal

When I read or hear about young people who have gone astray, those who have acquired juvenile records, those who have run away from home, those who make a habit of bullying others, etc., I can’t help but think that many of these troubled and troubling young people are loved and are being nurtured by loving parents. This fact, however, isI inadequate. And it’s no secret that most parents would not have predicted this for their beautiful newborns, which each of these young people were in the not too distant past.

While none of us can accurately predict the future, when we think of what the future holds for our children, we do not want to think of bad things happening but of good. And while contemplating good things for our beloved children: high school graduation, college graduation, good jobs, starting a business, enduring marriages, and children of their own, to name only a few, we need to accept the reality that these good things don’t just happen. They do not just magically appear!

When we are proactive, when we recognize that we must begin early in our children’s lives to program them for success, when we sit with them and take the time to ensure that they begin early in their elementary years completing homework neatly and accurately and reading silently for a period each day, we are increasing their chances for success.

Success does not just happen. However, failure happens when steps for success are not taken intentionally. With this being the reality, be very intentional regarding expectations for your child. Assure that as your child progresses through each grade level at school, that he makes challenging course selections. Don’t allow him to choose “easy” courses that present no challenges. Take care to assure that the home is a safe, stimulating and supportive environment.

You’ve probably discovered by this point in your existence that love is not enough. And while love is a necessary ingredient, it is only one ingredient, and alone this one ingredient has been proven inadequate. If you’re wondering: what else, in addition to loving my child, can I do to improve his chance for success? You can:

• Become strongly involved in his school life
• Express high expectations for him
• Assure that he participates in age-appropriate extra-curricular activities
• not allow him to work more than 20 hours each week

These are just a few of the things that you can do to improve your child’s chances of success. There are numerous others, some of which are specific to your child whose personality is unique to him or her.

Remember, parents: BEING PROACTIVE IS THE KEY! GET INVOLVED EARLY and STAY INVOLVED!