That'll Learn Ya...

Who's fault is it that our education system is not up to par with other countries? Who's to blame when our children aren't graduating? Most parents point to the teachers, while teachers say it's on the parents. Savvy members of both groups say it's the fault of the politicians that put the system in place. Nobody's looking at the real culprits. What about the students? How do they fit into this? After all, it's not the parents that are sitting in the classrooms. It's not the teachers that are skipping class. It's not the politicians that aren't studying. I've looked at all sides of this argument, and while some of the blame does fall at the feet of the parents and teachers, I feel it's ultimately up to the students to take responsibility for their education. By no means to let thee children govern themselves when it comes to educational matters. Taking an active role in your child's life should go without saying. What I'm saying is hold them responsible. By saying it's someone else's fault, ultimately we're doing the children a disservice. We're teaching them at an early age to look to pass the buck to someone else, instead of looking at themselves and asking the question, "How can I be better?". We tell our kids they can be whatever they desire, and rightly so. We should encourage our kids to be the very best they can be. But we should also be realistic with them. Everyone can't be a doctor or a singer or a pilot. Although we'd like to think so, the reality is everyone can't be President. But everyone CAN be great. Adults love to be praised, and children are no different in that regard. Show them you're proud of their grades. Everyone can't make straight A's. Chances are you didn't, so why put all that unnecessary pressure on your child to do so? The point is to not let them settle. Always encourage them to do their best, and to always try. The results, I think, would surprise us.