Apr
7
Our Kids’ Teachers
April 7, 2008 |
St. John the Baptist de la Salle & Our Kids’ Teachers
During the school year, the average dad spends maybe 3 hours a weekday with their kids. The teachers of their kids spend at least 7 hours with them. Who has the greater influence on them?
So, with this in mind, let’s ask ourselves - how well do we know our kids’ teachers? How much do we appreciate them?
I grew up in a family of teachers, so I have a special affinity for the souls who have chosen this noble profession. And my dad used to teach in high school - a high school run by the Christian Brothers. So, I took note when I read that today is the feast day of St. John the Baptist de la Salle, the founder of the Christian Brothers.
He lived in the late 17th & early 18th centuries in France. He founded a school for boys and developed a system of education. To put this method into practice, he founded the Christian Brothers who spread it throughout the Western world. There are men everywhere who can swap stories tale for tale with the men educated by the Jesuits and Marianists on what it was like being educated by the Christian Brothers.
Having a Clue
So, it got me thinking - how much do I know about my kids’ teachers - if you are a father, how much do you know about your kids’ teachers? They have a such a profound influence on their lives.
Do we take them for granted? Do we get on their case? Do we help them by taking charge of our kids’ education at home? Do we take an interest in what they are learning - whether they are learning - how they are behaving - whether they are putting in the effort?
Do we show our kids that their education is important to us? Do we help them with their homework? Do we learn with them? Do we go to parent conferences - volunteer at least once a year in their schools - occasionally drop them off or pick them up?
We must treat our kids’ teachers as one of the most important parts of our children’s lives. We must help them help our children by ensuring our children’s education are one of our priorities as fathers.
But, I’m sure I’m not saying anything new or anything that every father hasn’t heard before. But, growing up in a family of teachers, I have heard enough stories to know that there are too many dads who just don’t get it.
I guess I just want to make sure I’m not one of those dads who do not have a clue. And then, I guess I’m also looking forward to learning all of that stuff that I never seem to get in the first place.
St. John the Baptist de la Salle is the patron saint of teachers - today is a good day to ask him to pray for our kids’ teachers and our kids’ education.
