Starting school. What an exciting and memorable day in one’s life. The transition from childhood to adulthood has begun, and there is a happiness as well as sadness, especially on the part of parents, as they relinquish their child to others to further their education.
Children grow up so fast and I guess we really would not have it in any other way, but it is hard to believe that baby you held such a short time ago will now become a cog in the “real world.” How they are educated and learn to live will make a difference in how the world goes around.
Today’s kindergarten children bear only a small resemblance to those of yesterday. Day care, TV, miraculous toys, and other outside influences have made them grow up in a faster pace. Entering school they are expected to know more and be more socialized, because they have been exposed to more.
One of the posters on display at the recent “Panther Power-Up" program struck a strong point in my mind.
“As I grow … please understand that I am growing up and changing very fast. It must be difficult to keep pace with me, but please try.
“Reward me ... for telling the truth. Then I am not frightened into lying.
“Tell me ... when you make mistakes, what you learned from them, then I can accept that I am O.K. even when I blunder.
“Pay attention to me … and spend time with me. Then I can believe that I am important and worthwhile.
“Do the things … you want me to do. Then I have a good, positive role model to follow.
“Compliment … and appreciate me. Then I'll feel good, and I'll want to continue to please you.
“Help me … explore my unique interest, talents and potential. In order for me to be happy, I need to be me, and not you or someone you want me to be.
“Be an individual … and create your own happiness. Then you can teach me the same, and I can live a happy, successful and fulfilling life.
“Thank you for hearing me, I love you!”
These words mean a lot! Children may not always act or look like they are listening but "it's there" just the same. Some parents have a way of talking seriously with their children, or in such a way they listen. One may not think so, but children soak up that knowledge, if not immediately, after they have had time to experience and think about it.
Explaining why it is important to eat or drink something, as well as why one should not eat other’s food and beverages, is important.
Talking about feelings. How would you feel if someone said mean things to you or didn't let you be a part of their friendship?
Create a value of the handicapped child in one’s own child’s vision. I'll always be glad for the day we moved next door to a Downs Syndrome child who taught me and my children about how important every being is in this life.
Empathy is a big word and even bigger emotion.
Teaching children to stand up to bullying or inappropriate behavior from their classmates and how it is important for a child’s self esteem.
"Home schooling" starts the day one is born, and is the basis for any intelligence and education that follows. Once family religion meant Sunday morning was time formally spent with God. There was never any question about it. It was family tradition. It is sad to see so many conflicts of interest threatening this important family venture.
With school starting, it would do us all well to think of how important these individuals are, whether pre-kindergarten or in their last year of high school. They are the future of our world and deserve attention.
Be a positive role model. Children pick up on the things you do or don't do. These children are our future!
Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us.
If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P.O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.
This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:
• Thursday August 29th: Mark Lee, Eunice Smith, Barbara Klinger, Cheryl & Brian Boettcher.
• Friday, August 30th: Brett Richards, Joel Born, Danielle Cook, Katie Cleven Richards, Staci Hohansee, Donna Demmer, Everett Jensen, Grace Paulson, Craig Schwartz, Eva Elayna Thomas.
• Saturday, August 31st: Carole Schember, Judy Deml, Terry Walterman, Kari Hohansee, Jerry Flugum, Tony Holmes, Connie Misgen Evenson, John Tasker, Heather Reese, Nancy Bottelson, Garrett Avery, Ron & Karen Huber, Melissa & Tyler Moe.
• Sunday, September 1st: Jim Motz, Payton Thomspon, Daryl Nelson, Jody Farr, Catherine Carlson, Gregory Ray, Dianna & Matthew Beckman, Adam & Lalya Lang, Jim & Marian Motz.
• Monday, September 2nd: Krista Paulsen, Brent Broulik, Barb Grunwald, Dean Richards, Logan Callahan, Peyton Moore Ayers, Randy & Barb Horan, Christine & Tom Krause, Amy & Jeff Conley.
• Tuesday, September 3rd: Marie Carroll, Lori Ingvaldson, Joanne & Mitch Wayne, Dick & Paulette Nelson, Tatum Wilson.
• Wednesday, September 4th: Cody Blouin, Marc Vanden Heuvel, Melissa Wayne, Erin Dobberstein, Daniel Pitcock , Holly Wangsness Dau, Rachel Arends, Melody & Tim Gassnman.
• Thursday, September 5th: Beckett Dane Rasmussen, Sydney Marie Schmidt, Jennifer Broskoff Dutton, Bruce Langlie, Beth Ann Suelter, Darren Hanson, Stacy Evenson, Grace Lorraine Kofstad, Rande Nelson, Dennis & Mary Jensen, Chuck and L‚ymra Hoogland, Brian & Angie Dobberstein.
• Friday, September 6th: LeAnn Hjoberg, Cindy Sloan Scheevel, Jackson Kilian, Tina Thostenson, Luke Trumble.
Wherever this year takes you, may you find happiness along the way.
