Homework
To Fill a Child’s Mind
By LaTeisha Williams
As a new school year begins, my thoughts naturally drift to the minds of my children. I marvel at how much they have grown so quickly and am simultaneously excited and overwhelmed as I think about my teaching duties this year. I want to fill their minds with knowledge of God, academic subjects, and life skills.
A child’s mind is a wondrous thing—such great capacity for learning paired with great malleability. These two characteristics make filling a child’s mind a huge task. So, I ask myself, how am I filling my children’s minds? Does my example show them how I want them to behave? There should always be the policy of “say as I say and do as I do,” rather than “do as I say, not as I do.” Am I teaching them to be responsible? They need to learn the importance of being punctual and following through to reach the goal. I have to teach them that one’s word, a good reputation, and trustworthiness are to be cherished and protected. Are they learning to be humble? A willingness to serve others, to perhaps make sacrifices and be inconvenienced for the sake of helping someone, is something I want them to learn. I want to instill confidence, at the same time teaching that the world does not revolve around them. Am I teaching them to be compassionate? They will need to learn to treat others the way they want to be treated, to empathize, to always have a kind look and a kind word at the ready. Are they learning to be friendly? Teaching them how to make others feel comfortable, how to be hospitable to guests in our home, and how to start and hold good conversation are all important. Are they learning to stand for what is right? It is necessary to be able to defend what they know to be right and not be afraid to stand alone. Of course, I cannot forget reading, writing, math, science, history, foreign language, art, music, grammar, sports, cooking, cleaning, handicrafts...whew!
To fill your child’s mind is a hefty and rewarding obligation. As this new school year begins for you and your family, how will you fill your child’s mind?