THE POORE PAGE: Make A Tradition That Has Impact

What If We All Pitched In And Pledged To Find Ways To Engage Our Youth In Basic Economics?

I was in a department store recently and noticed Christmas decorations every where and Christmas music playing. “Isn’t it still November?” I wondered? What has happened to Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, and it seems to be getting lost in the shuffle. In my childhood memories, I see my mother in the kitchen cooking mountains of food. She would start the morning off with sweet breads my brothers and I could devour as soon as we woke up. The only thing she asked in return was for us to watch the Thanksgiving parades with her on television. Funny, she is watching and going to parades every chance she gets to this day.

After we had reluctantly obliged our mother and the final float had been discussed by the television commentators, we would head outside to play football or basketball and work up an appetite before the big feast. Just as we were worn out and starving, here came the meal. That meal, oh, that meal. Turkey, dressing, gravy, and potatoes — the list of delicious dishes goes on and on. As an adult, I’ve added my own dishes like Brussels sprouts and turnip greens to our traditional family fare. I guess I’ve had a taste for Southern food even before I got to Arkansas.

We have carried Thanksgiving memories of huge meals, family time, football games and parades from childhood into our families as adults. Each family establishes their own holiday traditions. While I’m still not overly fond of watching parades on television, I’m reminded of my mother and have to smile each time I see one. A tradition does not have to possess Norman Rockwell perfection; it just has to be consistent. As we establish our own family traditions, our children may complain about them like I did while watching the television parades. Despite their complaints, believe me, they will be grateful to have the memories later.

One thing about traditions is that it’s never too late to create one. Some of the best traditions we can add to our children’s lives are ones that also engage learning and growth. I recently was honored to be selected as a board member for Economic Arkansas. Economics Arkansas was established in 1962 and is steeped in tradition. Some of the leading businessmen and school superintendents of this state have been involved in this program. Their goal is very simple — to create financial literacy for all students in Arkansas. To achieve this goal, they train teachers and work with the members of the business community to find ways to stimulate student interest and learning.

As I have learned more about Economics Arkansas, I have started thinking that this economic “tradition” could be expanded to all citizens. What if we all pitched in and pledged to find ways to engage our youth in basic economics during this holiday season? With your own children, could you have them develop their own weekly budget? Or help them create a fundraiser to support someone who is less fortunate? Or volunteer as a family at a shelter? You could even have the children be in charge of creating a budget for the next trip to the grocery store. Any task that involves planning and decision making about limited resources enhances economic understanding.

There are many ways to stimulate fiscal literacy with our young people. It can be something as simple as asking a young person about future career goals. Something as easy as a discussion about interests, hobbies or dream jobs can help our children begin to make wise decisions about their futures and their places in our economic community. With simple conversation, you can ignite meaningful learning about economics. The more adults show an interest in young people, the stronger our own community will be, and the more prepared our young people will be for the economics of adulthood.

Financial literacy can be the source of new, treasured traditions in your own family or community. The impact you have on one child could change his life and yours forever.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your own family traditions, even as you start new ones.

MICHAEL POORE IS SUPERINTENDENT OF THE BENTONVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT.

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