1. Wrong or Wrong?

When last we spoke, a little boy was sobbing because his Dad had broken his promise to take him fishing.  Something more important had arisen.  What, we wondered, could be that important?   A chance to play cards with the guys, maybe? Actually, it turned out that Dad’s boss had broken his promise to let Dad off early so he could take his son on the outing.  Dad had to choose between his job – and providing the necessities for his son – and the promised treat.   What a hard choice to make.

2. Right and Wrong, Teaching:

Cecilia CampoVerde, Bilingual Family Coordinator at Better Beginnings, and I wondered how parents feel about teaching children that it is wrong to lie, cheat and steal.   Some of the parents agreed willingly to be interviewed.

Ana Narvaez believes it is a good idea to teach children right and wrong, and that we should do this as soon as they start to “think”.  Parents can talk with them and let them know if something is wrong or right.  Open communication with them, taking any opportunity to discuss, is important.  The school can also discuss whenever the faculty finds a chance.  Explain to the children what can happen if they lose trust.  We should be a good example, show that we can be trusted, and tell the truth.

Luis Calk agrees that it is a good idea to teach that it is wrong to lie, steal or cheat, and to start as early as can.  We can talk to them and and we can play games and tell and talk about stories like Pinochhio and the Boy who Cried Wolf.  Actually, he believes, children learn more by what we do that from what we say.

Gloria Alvarez and David Alvarez:  Gloria responds, “Of course” we should teach children right and wrong as soon as they can understand, the earlier the better.  David, her six-year-old son, adds that sharing is nice.  Gloria says that we should lead by example; the children will then follow our lead.  Also, we should show that there are consequences.  Always tell the truth, the truth will set you free, she tells David.  The school definitely should teach character, and use consequences, she adds.    David loves to read.  He reads at school, he reads at Better Beginnings, and he reads at home.  He loves it when his mother comes to his other school, where she is Room Mother.

David adds that if you are naughty, then your friends won’t be your friends any more.  Once more, “out of the mouths of babes.”

Herlinda Bernal also responds, “Of course”, starting as soon as they can understand, and start to think.   Parents can teach by being a good example.  The school faculty should discuss this in a good way that it is not right to do such things.  They should have consequences, so that they have a chance to understand what they did wrong, and have a chance to correct the behavior. If it continues, they lose trust; and may need help, maybe professional.  Most important is to be a good example; not a bad example, and to teach the positive and reinforce wanted behavior.    (cont.)

Rosa Villa:  Yes, we have to teach that it is wrong. We should talk to them in a nice way, letting them know what is right and wrong.  Using the positive and letting them know when they do things the right way is important.  The school faculty, too, can talk with them, discussing how to act and do the right thing; but parents should not expect teachers to do the whole job.  Sometimes we say one thing and do another. Children learn more from what we do that what we say.  Setting a good example is very important.

We continue to believe that if we are seeking a society in which we are judged by the content of our character, that we need to do all that we can to encourage good character traits.   The children of these parents are fortunate; and so are we, to be working in concert.  Hopefully, together, we can hope for these children, by behaving in a positive, constructive way, to reach their full potential, and to avoid the traps of gangs, violence, drugs, alcohol, negative peer pressure and other negative, destructive behaviors.

4. Right Thing, Right Time, Right Reasons:

Internet friend Bobbi, suggests the following:

• Taking a hot meal to a needy person
• Sending a card to someone just because
• Being nice to a telemarketer when you just want to hang up; they are just doing their job to feed their family
• Being nice to your husband when he is really getting on the last nerve

5. Right Stuff:

Here is my favorite part of the week, finding out who remembered Better Beginnings this week and the innovative ways they chose: The Perrineville Jewish Center sent a contribution in honor of our good friend, Harry Horowitz. Milly K. Brown and Aleta Flemming donated magazines and cards, very useful in the classrooms, and especially enjoyed by “Penny Pincher”.  Jeff Eder remembered us with coupons for free rental of movies from Blockbuster.   So nice to hear from Jeff, now living elsewhere, but still a good and thoughtful friend.

6. Two Cents Worth:

Ed Breslow, in the Meat Department at Super Fresh, chips in.  (We think he was a standup comic in another life.  He certainly adds joy and humor to the shopping process.)  Okay, The Invisible Man and the Invisible Woman got married. (pause) I don’t know what they see in each other.  (longer pause)  They had two kids.  (pause)  They weren’t much to look at either.  (Ed’s timing is better than mine.)