We all hope that the values that are important to each of us
are passed along to our children. Often, however, that hope is (36)
by a flood of pop culture messages, peer pressure, and overscheduled
lives that leave little time for good counsel or (37) It’s
easy to forget that learning values and character at home is as important as any
schoolwork or extracurricular activities. In the real world of
jobs and career, people are judged by two standards: their (38)
skills and their personal traits. While grade school, high school,
and college can teach skills and (39) , it’s up to parents to
teach children the attributes that make for success in the real
world--diligence, a (40) attitude, creativity, optimism,
assertiveness, and (41) . Schools--particularly
colleges--don’t focus on these issues. That’s the job of the parents, so take
the (42) seriously. Send your kids into the world ready to
handle not only the tasks of life but also its hurdles, social obstacles, and
(43) with skills and character. You really
can’t start soon enough. After all, children need personal integrity and morals
as much as any adult. Bullies will always be around, (44) .
Exposing children to the harsher realities of life isn’t cruel; giving them that
experience and coaching them through it is part and parcel of raising kids to
have courage, resilience, and honor. (45) . . Then think
through how to teach these crucial lessons. Talking to your kids should be only
part of the plan. Letting them witness integrity in action--through your own
behavior, by watching documentaries about great people together, or even by
visiting a courtroom--is the strongest way to impart the message. (46)
So make a point of it. After all, if you don’t teach your children
integrity, who will