A parent online asked me, "What authority do you have to speak about raising children with character?"
It's a valid question. I understand their curiosity...and the underlining concern.
We form our beliefs through evidence and examples. Here’s my background and experience that has shaped my perspective on this important topic of what it means...
...to be human.
A Global Cross Cultural Educational Experience
Over my 15 years of experience as a global educator, my outlook on life has stretched.
During that time, I've had the privilege of standing in front of classrooms across various cultures; in East Asia, Middle East, Europe, South East Asia, and South America.
While the context of culture changed, the purpose always stayed the same:
improve this human sitting in front of me.
To be great in this role, you quickly have to learn how to be curious and explore people with no judgment.
I also taught all ages and abilities from toddlers to adolescents, teens, and young adults. Then on to business professionals, stay at home mothers, refugees seeking asylum, and ‘silvering haired’ retirees.
Through these shared stories and experiences, I've gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that arise during each stages of life development.
It’s when I stand in front of the class as a teacher, that I learn what it means...
...to be human.
Deep Empathy for Parents Trying Their Best
During uncountable parent-teacher conferences, I’ve sat with
- a single mother navigating a nasty divorce,
- a proud father needing a translator,
- a guardian managing financial difficulties,
- decent parents overwhelmed, sobbing with their heads in their hands,
- young parent couples stressed by their child's wild behavior.
I’ve had to balance the anxiety of a learner in class, with the worry of their parents...while we’re all making sense of the situation.
These interactions continue to resonate deeply with me.
Always loved the red rimmed glasses Angela.
Then and now, they still stir a sense of empathy for everyday people making an honest effort to raise decent people.
The same spirit I bring to the learners in the class, it’s the same way I deal with parents. They look like my students.
In a very real sense, they’ve been my students.
And they’re doing their best to navigate the complexities of raising a child...
...to be human.
From My Own Lived Experience as a Developing Child
On a personal level, I am the son of caring parents who did everything they knew to provide for me. And, like all parents, they had their limitations and areas where they lacked knowledge.
Yet through it all, I know the deep sense of care and effort that was there for me and my growth. I praise my parents on their effort to play the cards life dealt them. Also, I’m grateful for mentors and the community that helped them.
I know the value of growing up in an environment that values communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and a character.
These are all things that nobody can take from you.
I’m encouraged to help others develop these valuable skills in their own lives and know what it means...
...to be human.
Inner Authority — The Most Important Authority for Anyone
Most importantly though, when speaking about helping raise children into adults with character, I do so with inner authority.
This wasn't given to me; it was earned through my efforts and dedication to making a positive impact in the world over time. I continue to prove myself to me every day, by starting with words I wrote for myself when I was 16-years-old, and by showing up and striving to make a difference in the world in my unique way...
...by arranging words for the audiences well-being.
I'm not here to convince anyone that I'm qualified or worthy of speaking on this subject.
That’s for you to decide by yourself.
I even invite you to observe my actions and choose for yourself.
If you have a child and are interested in developing their character through their youth, I do this by arranging words for you to share with your child...
...to be human.
Conclusion
True belief comes from experience, then evidence and examples.
I invite you, watch my actions and decide for yourself if my insights resonate with you.
The question of what authority I have to speak about helping raise children into adults with character is understandable. However, I’m not about proving myself to others. Rather, I find peace and strength by continuously proving myself to myself and the collective consciousness over time.
I am committed to making a positive impact in the lives of children and helping them develop sound character traits.
And if you’re willing, I invite you to forge inner authority in yourself, and teach it to your children so we could all know what it means...
...to be human.
