September 14, 2012
Charlotte Marshall Templeman
Nigger, nigga, I’m Not!!

   

For some African Americans, the word nigger is one of the most deplorable words of hatred they can be called. The word was used during a time when African Americans fought daily for social equality. During a time of slavery, sit-ins, marches and protest many African Americans endured hearing themselves being called nigger.  It was used by the oppressor and it did not matter if the oppressor was an adult or child. African Americans were demeaned by this word for hundreds of years and it still resonates in some as a word that should never be used. It brings back painful memories when a country was divided by segregation, equality for all and freedom under the constitution of the United States.
   

Today some African Americans, primarily the younger generation, look at the word nigger as just another word.  For them they cannot understand or should I say choose to understand the power that the word still possesses today. There is a saying that goes, “it’s not what you’re called that matters but what you answer to that does.” In some instances I can agree with that statement but in some I cannot. Words are a very powerful tool used to hurt, uplift, motivate, demean or encourage someone. We use words to express how we feel to others.  When a person is constantly called something negative eventually they will start to believe it. That is why giving positive affirmations and saying nice things to someone can mean the difference between how far a person will go in life or not. So the saying, “sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me” needs to be “sticks and stones will break my bones and words can definitely hurt me.”
   

Many young African Americans use the word nigger as a sign of endearment.  However the “er” at the end of the word has now changed to an “a”, thus the spelling is now N-I-G-G-A. The sound of the word changes and according to the person using it, so does the meaning. It goes from a word that was meant to reflect hatred to now a word reflecting friendship, loyalty and respect.  Although the word is used amongst African Americans with no backlash or ill will, it cannot be used by another person, preferably Caucasian when referring to a person of color. It is at that time the meaning changes and it goes back to when the word was derogatory. My question is can we have it both ways? Why should it be okay for the word to be used amongst us but we take offense when someone else calls us that name? If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck it is a duck and in my opinion if the word has an “er” or an “a” at the end, it still means the same thing. What begins to happen when we use derogatory words to refer to one another, others believe they can as well. For instance, Gwyneth Paltrow used the word nigger or should I say nigga in her conversation with Jay Z and Beyoncé.  What made her feel that comfortable where she felt she could use such language around two African Americans? Did she not know of the history of that word or did she care?    
   

First and foremost we have to care enough about ourselves, our history and what we are called before we expect anyone else to.  Respecting the struggle that we endured has to be enough for us to not taint it by using hateful words toward each other. It is important that we build each other up with positive words which encourage us to do our best. Knowing our history as African Americans is great but understanding it is paramount. Being called “nigga” as opposed to “nigger” should have the same ramifications whether it comes from a peer of the same color or a racist shouting it out the window.  The world needs to see that we will not tolerate such language used against us by anyone, even our own. Educating our young people to respect themselves and others is the beginning. Teaching them the history and struggles of our people is crucial. Helping them to see that they are descendants of kings and queens and great thinkers is priceless.  We are not “niggers” or “niggas” but we are a gifted beautiful people.

Date: 9/13/2012
Writer’s Name:  Dominique Wilkins
Title: The Company You Keep
   

For as long as I can remember, people have judged you before you open your mouth. People will judge you by the way you wear your hair and clothes and judge you by what you choose to wear. You have the capability of changing any negative thoughts they may create in their heads of you by immediately doing one thing. The most important thing to do when making eye contact with someone and tearing down barriers is to smile and say hello. You must say hello and not hey or hi. Hello is the proper way to greet a stranger. At that point, you may not have to worry about them clutching their purse or their mace. You have announced yourself as a friendly.
   

This is not fool proof, depending on the company that you keep, even this smile and greeting may not be enough to expect a chance to be treated fairly. If you are walking with someone, who appears to be a trouble-maker, angry or a hoodlum, you have already been judged by the company you keep. Though you may be respectful and raised so well, no one will stick around or believe you when you attempt to plead your case about how “you didn’t do anything,” when the alarm went off or the shots rang out. Sure, you may know someone is not as they appear, or feel as though deep down they don’t mean any harm, but if you just take the time to get to know them, you may find otherwise. But in society today, often, you don’t have time to open your mouth and make those pleas.
   

Without you having a chance to verbally defend yourself, you have already been judged and sentenced. Being in the presence of the wrong person, for example can have you incarcerated because the eyewitness did not see the accomplice who was you’re your friend when he robbed the store, but they assume that since you two are friends, it must have been you. Now you must hire legal help. The chance of the judge believing that is slim to none. He has seen a gang of your type before. You are all the same, so why should you be treated any differently? You are abeled guilty by the company you keep.
   

You have done very well for yourself in the workforce. You studied hard and earned a degree in a career field doing something you love. Now that you have saved all of your nickels and dimes, you have managed to purchase a very nice car that still had the new smell. As soon as you get the chance, you drive over to your friend’s house to show him your new prize. The old lady next door hadn’t seen you around in a while, but can plainly see that you have trimmed down and are looking pretty fit. You’ve obviously been in jail too. You got that car from the same place all of the other neighborhood thugs got their cars from. It’s no secret. People know a drug- dealer when they see one.
   

In life, people will judge you immediately upon the moment they lay their eyes on you. You must not ruin your chance of being yourself and showing individuality by simply being in the company of a person who is unkempt and has a shiesty appearance. Some people have not had the chance to tell their side. You could be killed before you could speak by a bullet that attacked you, which happened to have been for your company…
   

Always be in the company of someone who can teach you something or make you look better, not worse. Following this rule will take you far.     

Date: 9/11/2012
Writer’s Name: Reginald Antione Ward
Title: The Warning Signs of Suicide


When dealing with depression leading to suicide, some of the warning signs are carefully visible. In some other cases, the signs are not there at all. We as people only expose what we want to be exposed. In some cases those seeking help, reach out to others for that help. In some suicide cases, the person covers it up and just wants to end their life for many reasons. I have never personally known anyone who has actually took their own life, but I have come across suicidal individuals.

Some of the warning signs are when individuals stay to themselves, closed up in their rooms, or are dealing with rejection from others. Those who have low self-esteem or those who have been bullied are high risk as well. Individuals that are feeling unloved are also at risk for committing suicide. When a person all of a sudden removes themselves from their normal surroundings is another warning sign. 

The question is how do we help those dealing with this mindset? How do we work with them? I believe it’s all in the mindset of the individual. We all must love. We must let everyone surrounding us know that they are loved no matter what. We were all given a life and it’s sad because we as people can help lower someone’s self-esteem. I cannot imagine what those who have committed suicide must have been going through mentally. The feeling of being alone, the feeling of feeling unwanted. Thinking about the feeling of thinking no one loves you or the feeling of even thinking that your life is over.

Suicide is not a game and it is truly up to us to really check on our friends, whether they are sad or happy. Talking things out and letting the people we associate with know we are there for them is also helpful.

Many times there signs when someone wants to commit suicide, and at other times it
just happens out of nowhere. Many times people say, “I had no idea”- referring to one who has committed suicide successfully or attempted suicide. We all have to just stay prayed up because each person’s mindset is very different and you never know what the next person is going through. Usually, when real famous celebrities suddenly commit suicide, it becomes the biggest shock to society. This goes back to my point, which is, no matter if the signs are there or not, we never truly know what is going on in the mindsets of others. Depression is no joke, and depression at times leads to suicide attempts. We have to all wake up and pay attention to the people surrounding us and look at the big picture. We all struggle with something, and we should never judge another person’s struggle, but yet encourage them through it all. The next person who attempts suicide could very well be one of the people in our lives that we least expect.

Date: September 10, 2012
Writer’s Name: Tamyara Brown
Title: If you’re sick of starting over, you have to stop quitting


IF YOU QUIT OR GIVE UP THEN YOU DON'T DESERVE IT!! Process that and get back in the fight, DREAMER! You can do it! - Tyler Perry

If you’re sick of starting over, you have to stop quitting! If you’re so close to what you know is your destiny whether it's writing, racing cars, singing, running your own business, you cannot quit. Success is when no matter the adversities, challenges, and mishaps, you say, "I’m fighting for this because my life depends on this; I’ve lost sleep; I’ve stayed working while others were having a good time; I ate Ramen noodles for months on end; and when everyone and their mama told me it was only a dream I
continued to fight.” So why when you are getting so close you are ready to quit?

I was sitting down and I was listening to this woman complain how her life was incomplete and so unfulfilled. She was having a major pity party and said, "I wanted to be a nurse but I quit school because it was too hard. I wanted to be an interior decorator but I stopped going to school because I didn't like the teacher." The person listening to her finally said, "Maybe if you stop quitting when it got hard you wouldn't have to complain about your life being unfulfilled." 

Though this person’s statement was small it had a huge impact on me. In this day and
time we have to see life through. I love writing but I will not proclaim to be the best. I
am a writer who is still learning the craft and I will not give up because someone is a better writer than me. The true art of perfecting my craft is to continue to learn and practice. Anything you want in your life requires hard work and determination.

It is sad that some of us quit before we start the race and give in before we reach the finish line. Some of us especially the young folks who think they’re grown and believe life and challenges aren't suppose to be hard. The minute the going gets tough they throw in the towel and quit. Life is a struggle but it is those who stick through the toughest times and challenges who are greatly rewarded.

It is when you take the same towel handed to you to throw it in and wipe the sweat
off and wrap it around your shoulders. It is when you take that towel and snap it on the behind of quitting and yell, "Sike your mind and make your booty shine. Cause a chick or dude like me isn’t going nowhere. Get use to me because I'm here to win my victory." Life will shift in a positive direction. Whatever you’re doing, you'll notice you’re an expert in survival after a while when all seems lost.

So if you’re sick of starting over, please don't quit on yourself and your dreams. If you lose a battle, pick the same one over and over again until you win. You have no choice but to win sooner or later!


 ©2012 Tamyara Brown- Tamluvstowrite

 

Date: September 10, 2012
Writer’s Name: Todney Harris
Title: Why NCLB is a Failure



Thus far, I have documented my personal feelings regarding the No Child Left Behind
legislation. As of the last week in September of 2012, the act will most certainly be revised during Obama’s administration. Thus far, Arne Duncan the secretary of the Department of Education has revealed that some of the provisions in the act will either be waived or substantially changed. The major provision that all children be proficient in math and reading by 2014 will most definitely be scrapped from the legislation. In return for the waiver, the Obama administration is expected to attach teacher performance to students test scores and create the expectation that charter schools are to be expanded within each state. Obama and Arne Duncan have also stated publicly that each state would be given more flexibility regarding testing controls and
standards.

I agree with the fact that states should have more control. I stated previously that I think it is unconstitutional for the federal government to intervene in the affairs of education. However, I still have a major issue with linking teacher evaluations and performance to student test scores and student data. As an educator, I have a fundamental disagreement with attaching teacher performance to student data and testing scores. I can attest for the record that teachers try their best each and every day. Educators have to work with the students that they are given. It is our hope that all students come to school every day willing to work hard and to learn. However, there are just too many variables that educators cannot control that undermine the process. I think that some common sense has to be applied to this situation. 

The overall consensus is that requiring all students to be proficient in math and
reading by 2014 has resulted in unnecessary pressure being put upon educators
and administration. The pressure has resulted in cheating scandals that occurred
in the states of Georgia and Connecticut.

A widespread scandal within the educational community ensued when the Governor’s
office of student achievement investigated the abnormal number of erasures on
student answer sheets. As a result of this investigation, principals, teachers
and other department officials were implicated as culprits of the scandal. As a
result these public officials and educational staff were either forced to resign or were fired if they weren’t willing to resign officially. 

Another cheating scandal erupted in Waterbury Connecticut at Hopeville School. An
administrator and a teacher were implicated in the tampering of elementary test
scores. The Connecticut Mastery tests were subject to tampering in an effort to raise test scores as well. A state investigation found irregularities in the school's scores on the State Mastery Tests; there were major improvements, and in some cases, scoring top in Connecticut. 

If student data and test scores are still going to be the focus of the No Child Left Behind revision, then more scandals could be a very real possibility in the future. I think it is folly to continue to place undue pressure on teachers and administration. This is the very core essence of the bill that needs revision! I just cannot comprehend why this key issue hasn’t been understood by Mr. Duncan or President Obama.

Date:September 10, 2012
Author: JC Gardner
Title: Regrets


 


I often hear people say “I have no regrets.” Then they go on to say that all of
their experiences made them who they are today and without “trials and
tribulations” there would be no “testimony.”Hmmm. I wonder if some of our
“trials and tribulations” could have been avoided if we had just listened or
heeded some good advice that we received, but ignored, because we knew it
all.

For most youth, turning eighteen marks a huge milestone. We’re labeled
adultsat that stage of our life and our parents’ legal responsibility to
care for us is technically over. Most of us couldn’t wait to grow up and be on
our own, but there usually was a huge obstacle in our way: If you didn’t have a
full-time job with benefits and a salary to afford an astronomical rent, more
than likely, you ended up at your parents’ house just a little while longer;
okay, a lot longer.

I was one who suffered under the disillusionment that ten plus eight equaled freedom. But I was also a dutiful daughter who went to college, got my two-year and four-year degrees, and then got married at the age of twenty-three. I thought getting married was being on my own. NOT!

In my immature brain, marrying my college sweetheart seemed to equate to independence, to sovereignty, to getting up and leaving when I pleased; to cooking what I wanted when I wanted, and sleeping as long as my heart desired. 

My first apartment was with my husband. Living in a college dorm does not equate to living independently. I thought it did. Truthfully, that was just a taste of independence – one I did not embrace as fully as I should have.


I’ve been married since 1986, probably a record these days! I’ve heard the term “midlife crisis” a lot and couldn’t really relate, until recently. I started feeling trapped and restrained, like an unseen force was keeping me from doing what I really want to do, and I found myself saying, “If I lived on my own, I wouldn’t have to consult with anyone; if it was just me, things would be more smoother; Would-a, should-a, coulda!

What I was really missing was “me”time. Getting married so young and thinking I knew everything didn’t allow me to find out about myself – my likes and dislikes; how
I like to spend my days AND my nights; how would it feel to answer to nobody, and the list goes on. 
 
One day I told my husband, “I need my own apartment.” He looked at me strangely and
then, naturally, had a ton of questions about my happiness, was everything okay,
and what did he do wrong.

Truthfully, he hadn’t done anything wrong. I blamed myself. My mother tried to tell me early on to go out and explore the world and live my life first. But I was in love and love conquers all, right? I really regret not doing that, especially living on my own. I love my life today and God’s blessings have been on my life; I love my family, but there is a part of me that yearns for that solitude of loving and taking care of just me. How would that feel? What would that look like? Is that selfish? These are questions I wrestle with internally – my very own midlife crisis.

Sure, I have spa days and girls’ night out. That definitely helps. But I can’t help but wonder if my life would be different if I had just taken a year or two devoted to embracing my womanhood and exploring life as a single person.

They say the grass always looks greener on the other side. I bet
in this case, it was neon green, with sunshine and blue
skies.

Date: September 10, 2012
Writer’s Name: Lorraine Elzia
Title: Freedom – The Child of Democracy



Freedom. A simple word that one would think has a universal meaning. In the big scheme of things it does. When measured by wars, bondage and physical capabilities, arguably, most recognize the term and agree, to a certain extent, that in America, as a united body, we– the people – are free.

But the world does not turn on the big scheme of things. It is the little actions
and circumstances that truly illustrate the real picture of our existence. 
 
We’ve come a long way baby, as the saying goes. Segregation, at least in terms of how it once was, no longer exists. Blacks don’t have to sit on the back of the bus, drink from separate water fountains, or clean the houses of white men and work on their plantations for little, if any, pay. Women have the right to vote. We can live where we please, shop where we choose to shop, and worship in any manner we individually see fit. People are allowed to say what they please, voicing their opinions without the threat of imprisonment just because their government feels threatened by what they have to say. Opportunities cross color lines. The corporate ladder is free for all to climb, and some of the richest people in the world have a dark tint to their skin color that was given to them by God.

We’ve taken out the highest security threats to our nation. Through the grace of God,
and the thoughtful planning of our leaders, we have sent our enemies home to
their maker or His nemesis; ensuring that they no longer are a threat to us and
their only abilities now revolve around pushing up daises. Yes, by all expectations and traditional measures, we are free. Our nation, while imperfect, has no real ties that bind our actions or our liberties.

But at what cost? What must we endure for the precious gift of freedom? That’s the
million-dollar question and one that is not easily answered. 

The cost we pay comes in the manner in which we must be willing to establish and
defend the freedoms that we all enjoy. The price is not paid in the big scheme of things; it is measured by the immeasurable. The little things that encroach upon our lives.

Financially, the price we pay for freedom hits our pockets in the form of higher taxes,
requirements to have insurances on home, car and preparation for medical needs. We are also subjected to higher prices on the luxuries of life that we choose to acquire or indulge in. Those high prices are imposed on us so that the funds can be distributed to pay for governmental necessities that we all need. There once was a time where certain things were not available to us, but now that they are, we have to pay a high price for them.

Emotionally, the cost of freedom can be high for military families who support their
active-duty spouses and parents. They deal with the loneliness and constant worry about their loved one who is thousands of miles away in a foreign land and in constant danger. That same price of freedom causes sorrow to us all by the countless number of flag-draped coffins that come back to the homeland in the belly of planes delivering military soldiers who have paid the ultimate price for us all and our freedom.

Physically, the price of freedom hits us all at our boarders. Both at the edges that outline the territory of land which makes up our great nation, and at each and every airport that we enter in search of traveling elsewhere. At the boarders we have to take measures to keep out those that want to creep in for the chance to live the American dream. At the gates of our airports we are subjected to heightened security to make sure that our planes will not be used as weapons of destruction to our nation or its people. Being free makes it necessary for us to endure intrusive measures to try and limit who comes in and who goes out of this land we hold so dear. 

Mentally, the price for freedom of religion, of speech, or of the press comes with the price tag of putting up with foolishness, ignorance and sometimes buffoonery by those that use their given freedom as a crutch to commit ill will. The ability to shout, “I’m free to do as I please” allows people to stand behind that plea of innocence as justification for doing things that morally they should not do, but which freedom of choice gives them the ability to do. Individual freedom demands individual  responsibilities, however, some do not see it that way. Some use our freedoms as excuses to do as they please when the truth is that personal responsibility is one of the prices we pay for liberty. 

Freedom, as we know it, is the child of Democracy. It governs us and is the drug of choice for most Americans when it comes to how they will be ruled. Freedom is also self-determined; it is unique to each of us. The way we act in accordance to our own individual lives is both the gift and curse of our liberties. We are free to make choices and free to live our lives as we want to; however, that does not mean we are free to do any and everything we want to. There are things that exist to limit our freedom, and those limits are called, “rules.” We cannot be a free society without each individual experiencing a bit of un-comfortableness in regard to being responsible for our actions. Wayne LaPierre said it best, "Freedom is never an achieved state; like electricity, we've got to keep generating it or the lights go out."

Date: 9/9/10
Writer’s Name: S.F. Hardy
Title: Teenage Blues




As a continuation of an article I wrote earlier entitled, Raise It Write or Watch
It Fall, based on the ways children are raised today compared to
yesteryears, I want to discuss personal hardships of parenting a teenager in
today’s world.

Almost 13 years ago, days shy of my twentieth birthday I gave birth to a healthy
inquisitive baby boy. As a young mother, I was not sure how I was going to be a
mother who raised her son to be a productive citizen but I was and still am
determined to do so.

As I look back my fears of being a decent mother is nothing compared to what I face as my son will be a teenager in just 2 months. His attitude is changing, I’m fearful of the world that awaits him, and I just don’t know what to do.

I feel myself losing control as I often have to holler and scream just to get his
attention. I am not above corporal punishment but normally he is not within
arm’s reach or throw when we have these bouts. When discussing my child’s
abnormal behavior with my husband, he explained to me that our child is going
through puberty, which explains his moodiness and magnified attitude problem for
no apparent reason.

I talked with an old friend who is the parent of a pre-teen and adult. She too expressed her bafflement and had no answer for me or herself. Like me, she was a young mother who raised her children in a two parent home. Her children, like I imagine most children, had their issues but to what extreme is another topic. 
 
The fact remains. It is very difficult being a parent nomatter the support or lack thereof. I don’t take any comfort in knowing I am not alone in my concerns because that just means there are more clueless parents who want what is best for their children. I can’t imagine how children who have no support or guidance make it. Well for some I do.

I had a conversation just yesterday with my best friend who confided in me that
her 15 year old nephew, who just was released from a 3 month jail sentence, had
hit a lady in the head and carjacked a lady the night before. I gasped for air
as she told me this. I guess his behavior is to be expected since he never
really had structure or support of his parents. He, along with his siblings were
taken from their mother by the state and sent to live with various relatives.
The violence and substance abuse he witnessed his mother and other adults around
him partake in had become the norm for him -the exact norm that I don’t want for
my, or any other child; not only because eventually what happens to one affects
us all, but I believe children deserve much more if they are to have a fighting chance at a quality life.

I don’t want to push my child away but at the same time I am not his friend. I have explained to him that while I may say many things to him that he does not want to hear at the moment or ever, I will never steer him in the wrong direction or do anything to hurt him as I have his best interest at heart. For most of his life I have worked in corrections in some capacity or another and I share stories with him of why my expectations are high and why I demand certain behaviors from him.

Although I have been a constant in his life, so have other family members; some helping, others hindering in my raising him to be the man I wish him to be. I now fully understand why my mother urged me to stay at home with him his first few years of life. I denied him this in spite of my mother’s warnings and while I was working and attending college, I inadvertently allowed others to shape and mold my child in a way that I sometimes regret. I can’t take back the hands of time all I can do is do better moving forward and just hope that my child gives his self a chance at life and not be influenced by the knuckleheads of society. I don’t expect him to be perfect but I do want him to strive for perfection and not do anything to permanently jeopardize his chances at life.


While I am still confused on how to do this parenting thing the right way, I continue to push forward. I have considered letting him live with his biological father, if only temporary (which he does not want) in order for him to realize just how good he has it (which I believe to be part of the problem; he has too much). But I’m not sure if that will inflame my child’s issues in some way. That said, there is no easy way out, unless I am to give up and I’m not a quitter so I guess my only option is to pray and seek help for both myself and my child and keep him as active as I can. I can only hope that those around us don’t undermine my position so that my worst nightmare does not become true.

If you or someone you know are having difficulties raising a teenager, know that you are not alone and it is ok to seek outside help, professional and informal to ensure the best for your child(ren).

Resources for Parents

http://www.byparents-forparents.com/

http://parentingteens.about.com/

http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_detail.php?profid=114388&sid=1347284861.2398_15030&city=Detroit&state=MI&spec=5

http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_detail.php?profid=125097&sid=1347284861.2398_15030&city=Detroit&state=MI&spec=5

Date: September 10, 2012
Writer’s Name: Charlotte Marshall Templeman
Title: Back to School, for Parent and Child

   


As the summer comes to a close and festivities end, children are gearing up for their first day back to school.  The barbecues are over, family reunions have ended and summer visits to the beach are now a memory. For millions of children across this country September is the month where the shorts and sandals are packed away and the school uniforms are taken out. It is also the month where another year of wonderful possibilities awaits them in the classroom. Science labs are geared up for the next formula to be solved while English classes shelve unread masterpieces for their minds to explore.  In math class numbers big and small wait to be added or multiplied while in social studies the constitution and the freedoms under it are discussed.  School is back in session!
   

During the summer, children have the autonomy to do a little more than usual. Bed times are extended along with outside time and play time. Children are completely in fun mode and for most learning is the last thing on their mind. Less than often books are read and rarely any educational tools are implemented in their daily activity. For the child, this is the life but unfortunately when school begins we find many of our children are behind in the basic fundamentals such as reading. It is imperative that children never stop learning and engaging their minds. The brain needs to be fed to work just like any other organ in the body. Without food for the mind the brain starves. When this happens we see a number of children returning to school trying to catch up. Although this may be the case for some, there is still hope for a child to progress and become re-familiar with learning. This is where the role of the parents becomes crucial to their child’s education.
   

Upon a child returning to school the parent has to be actively involved. It is critical for a parent to know as much as possible about their child’s school, teacher and what is expected from all parties involved. Parents should be familiar with their child’s lesson, homework assignments, when test are administered and when outside projects are due. At times it may feel as if the parent is in school but this is the role of a concerned parent who wants the best for their child.
   

Being actively involved in your child’s education shows them how loved and valued they are. When a child sees their parent attend back to school night, report conferences and school meetings it gives them the extra zeal to do well. Parents have to understand the importance of making sure their child put away the electronic gadgets and pick up a book. Watching television should be reserved for the weekend as studying should take precedence during the week. The education of our children should always be our priority. The job of the teacher and parent are intertwined and they should always be a united team. It is the teacher’s job to equip our children with the essential tools to learn while it is the responsibility of the parent to enforce it at home. The home environment should always be an extension of school. Learning never ends.
   

Being a parent is the most rewarding job a person can ever have. We are our children’s first teacher. It is from us that they learn how to interact with others, how to speak and how to act, so it is imperative we lead by example.  Showing them that we care about them speaks volumes. It can be the beginning of a child exhibiting positive self – esteem or lack thereof.   When a parent stresses the importance of education in the life of their child from a young age, more than likely the child will have a love for learning. In conjunction to that a parent has to have a love for seeing their child excel. If a child does well in school the child along with their parent and teacher are winners. The relationship between parent and teacher is paramount and the skies are the limit for a child. So welcome back to school children and do well!

Date:  09/7/2012
Name: Donnell Hicks
Title: So Hard to Say Goodbye: Why Is It So Hard For Parents to Let Their Children Go?


There comes a certain point and time a parent must allow their child to grow up so they can experience life and the world on their own- a time to let their child stand on his/her own two feet and make their own choices in life. At this point, they must pass the threshold of turning eighteen years old. For some parents, it becomes extremely difficult to let a child grow up or become their own woman/man, yet it has to be done. 

Without a doubt, a parent should let their children gain independence to walk alone There are parents who cherish the luxury of the fact that their offspring is out of the house simply living their own lives according to making the right decisions and not getting into any trouble. Whereas some parents tend to become quite emotional for the reason that their child is growing up too fast from a young person into a teenager entering their first year in high school leading up to their last year in high school and then off to college. Parents should understand that there comes a point when they must let go and not cling onto their children throughout their whole lives. At the end of the day the parent will realize it’s in the best interest of the child. 

In some cases, parents will become excessively worried regarding their children or child’s whereabouts although he/she is past the threshold of eighteen years old. The parent will go out of his/her way to make sure their child/children are safe and sound while attending college far away from the comfort of home. On the contrary, some parents will live in the excitement, joy, and pleasure of knowing their work has been done raising their children from the time they’re born until the time they’re eighteen or nineteen years old. However, there’s not a time or a place a parent doesn’t grow worried for the lives of their child when he/she is away to college or hanging out with friends. No matter how old a child will get, a parent will always grow concerned for their offspring, especially living in this chaotic world filled with so much crime and enticement of doing wrong. 

Nonetheless, it is up to the child if he/she wants to stay at home and attend college or move far away to another state to attend another college to leave home and become independent. There are some children who stay home with their parents until they’re old; some parents love the fact their child is still living at home with them while some parents become disgruntled by the idea of still having their children living at home. 

I know for certain there are a few parents who can’t wait until their child has graduated high school and is out of the house so he/she can gain some knowledge of what it feels like to become independent without having to run back to mother or father every time. More than likely, it is a revolving door.