Above all else, I wish for my boys to grow up to be men of good character.
The reason I want this for them is because it is only people of good character who will ever have a positive influence on the communities in which they exist.
Harry J Grant, the famous American Editor and Social Commentator said:
“It takes a long time to educate a community and it can’t be done by spellbinders, moneybags, hypnotizers, magicians or Aladdin’s lamp. Character is what matters.”
I could not agree more. Harry hit the nail on the head.
It is only people’s characters that reflects the make up, nature and soul of any community.
And it is our responsibility as parents to make sure the community in this generation and the next is a place where all people are cared for – no matter what their circumstance.
If we as parents are teaching our children to be people of good character, this will be reflected in the community at large. This is obvious to see – in any country.
Communities with crime and violence built into their children become dangerous places to be. It flows out of the household and changes the entire DNA of a community.
This is why it is so important to me that my boys grow to be men of the highest character. The same way crime and violence can change the DNA of a community, so can love and kindness. And despite what the world often portrays, love and kindness are far more powerful than violence and hate.
Parents, it is up to us to teach our children to be people of good character. We cannot complain about the degradation or decline of the community in which we live without first assuring that our kids are people of the highest character and are inputting back into that community.
Teach them character in the home and get them active in the community – even from a young age. There are plenty of places in any given community where they can volunteer, from youth centres to soup kitchens, local churches and charity organisations.
Instilling the value of community in your child’s heart and mind as they grow can only have a positive impact in their chosen worlds. It is up to us as parents to work towards the goal of a strong and safe community.
Brendan.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Good thoughts, it got me thinking. You, or I only have to look at the people you respect the most and realise while their acheivements, gender, age and nationality vary the common trait is generally good character.
couldnt agree more…
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