As I write this letter, I want it understood that it is not intended to bring judgment, condemnation, guilt or anger. It is intended to bring truth, understanding, hope and change.
As I look around and see and hear other conversations, I know things are changing. One way or another, you’re going to be affected by change. But one thing that should not change is the rearing of a child.
“Rearing” means to raise, nurture, train, instruct, care for, look after and bring up a child until adult age. I believe 18 is considered the legal age of an adult. I believe under 18 is considered under age.
I’m not making excuses for a child’s or children’s behavior, but as long as they are under age, it is the responsibility of the guardian. Without proper rearing, it’s understandable why this can be part of the problem. Notice I said “part of the problem,” not the entire problem.
Integrity, principles, discipline, right and wrong choices, morality, manners, truthfulness — the list can go on and on. These are taught and learned behaviors, just like hate and prejudice are taught and learned behaviors.
Accountability and consequences have to be major roles in the rearing of a child. This also applies to the guardian, because a child does what is seen, and says what is heard.
I use the word “guardian” because households have changed. It is whoever has legal authority.
We cannot go along just to get along. I taught my children that just because everyone does something, that doesn’t make it right. I continue to teach this to my grandchildren. You cannot wait until their teenage years.
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Start children off on the way they should go and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
There’s an old saying: “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything!”
— Cynthia McGhee, Summit
