What's Important

A few days ago I blogged about people using kids as status symbols. That's not a good thing to do.

But there are lots of other things used in our society for status that aren't as harmful. Let's see, a nice home, a car, a college education, a well-paying job, and the latest tech devices can all show that someone is doing well in life.

There's nothing wrong with having things like that and it's only natural to be proud of our achievements.

But I'm afraid in our society a lot of people substitute status for the really important things in life. We need to be loved for who we are, not what we possess. Fifty years from now I'd much rather be remembered for the lives I've touched and the people I've helped than for the things I've owned. What would you like to be remembered for?

Proud Parenting

It's only natural for parents to be proud of our kids. After all, we love them and they're an important part of our lives.

But some parents carry pride to an extreme, and that's not good.

Once when I was a substitute teacher at a Kindergarten class in a prestigious neighborhood as the kids were lining up to go inside at least ten parents pulled me aside individually. Each one told me his or her child was the smartest one in the class and deserved special attention. None of their kids were any better than the average kids in other schools where I'd taught.

And we've all heard about the soccer moms and dads who drive the coaches crazy by trying to be sure their children are treated like stars.

As the children of parents like that get older, sometimes the pressure is on for them to get into the best colleges, and prepare for careers the parents have chosen without regard for the kids' own interests and talents. Of course all kids need some pushing to do well in school and we all want our children to have happy lives as adults, but sometimes what the parents choose for their sons and daughters is based more on impressing others than the kids' own interests and abilities.

I wish all parents would remember that children are not status symbols.

Apology

I'm sorry, but I probably won't be blogging as regularly as usual because I'm dealing with a family situation that requires a lot of time. Thanks to my loyal followers for understanding and I'll try to post things as often as possible.

New Year

Every New Year is special, but this one seems even more so because today is 1/1/11. That group of numbers won't happen again for a century - unless you count 1/11/11, which will be here soon.

Among all the resolutions I hope lots of people will resolve to do at least one thing this year that will help to make the world a better place. Every little bit counts.

Happy New Year, everybody!