Dear editor:

As a parent we are responsible to teach our children several things. Amongst these are love, manners, morals, respect and faith. Otherwise, we raise feral thugs. Parents are the most important influence on how our children and our community, and our world will turn out.

We know that children are born with two traits: ‘No’ (fear) and ‘Mine’ (selfishness.)

“No” normally precedes new activities or fear of repeating hurtful activities. It means “I am afraid,” “I got hurt last time,” or “I do not understand.” “No” should not be an acceptable response to a parental request. Parents are tasked with teaching your children — no one else. It is your responsibility to teach them love. Love is patient, love is kind, love has no selfishness at all. Children are not always born loving, this they must be taught and reinforced, if not, they WILL learn to hate. Wherever there is a void, something will fill it. If you as a parent do not teach it, the world (and all of its evil) will.

“Mine” shows up as soon as verbal skills are present. We, as infants, like the things that bring us comfort; a snuggly blanket, a soft toy, a baby bottle, food, a warm embrace, attention. As we mature other ‘comforts’ or distractions may prevent us from learning from the world around us. In the ‘busy-ness’ that we currently live in, it can be difficult to sit and have quiet time with our young ones.

Make the time.

Sharing is a learned trait. This is not hard, but it must be taught by example. To teach it, we must have this trait.

Sharing is selflessness, concern for others, making oneself ‘vulnerable.’ It is harder to learn as an adult because the stakes are generally higher, but to improve oneself, it must be learned. The want to ‘improve’ oneself is also a teachable trait and not one that comes to us naturally.

Our country was founded by men and women who wished to create a better place, where we were all free. To do this they used the Bible and its teachings. The Bible teaches two predominate doctrines; love, respect and fear for our creator and love and respect for each other. By these goals our founding countrymen created the greatest nation in recorded history where all people were free to exercise the rights of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Because we as parents have forgotten our responsibilities to teach our children, the evil of the world is teaching them lies. It will be on our heads when the world falls into chaos. As members of the human race, we are unique in all the world, we are not of the animal kingdom. We were created with incredible gifts; language, self-awareness, vulnerability, the love of beauty and laughter.

Today, turn off the “noise,” the cellphones, the games, the radio; sit down with your children and grandchildren, look them in the eye and tell them how much you love them. Tell them about what is truly important in the world; love and respect. Give them a hug and give them an opportunity to hug you back.

It is never too late to try and teach them.

Robin Berry

Cody