The question to ask
My dad was a military captain and World War II veteran. I learned about discipline, life, and parenting without verbal or physical abuse. When I asked permission to do something he might ask, "Are you big enough? You can do what you are big enough to do, but if you are big enough to do it, you are big enough to accept the consequences for your decisions."
The question "are you big enough?" was not about size, but about mental maturity and capacity to assess the situation, the results, and consequences. This developed critical thinking and an assessment of what might be the results. I knew if I made the decision, I was big enough to face the consequences. These consequences were not to be passed on to my parents or anyone else. My decisions and poor choices were mine to resolve.
Today, others could benefit from this. People are not accepting the responsibility for their decisions. They expect others to rescue them and even expect others to risk their lives to cover unwise decisions. If people were held accountable, they may learn by asking "am I big enough?" This will provide better decisions and prevent passing the consequences to others.
JERRY WAYNE DAVIS
Hot Springs
Take responsibility
I have two children who are school-aged, both of whom have unique talents as well as challenges. I have seen personally how important an individualized education is to helping children develop. This is why I don't support putting all students together in one environment. Doing so may cause us to miss out on them sharing their talents with the world, whether that talent is art, STEM or something else.
As parents, we are our kids' first role models, and that should not be taken lightly! All parents should take responsibility for their children's success and struggles and work to improve both. It is not the job of schools to raise our children, and having a healthy and open line of communication between parents and schools is a partnership that, if approached respectfully and constructively, can improve everyone involved.
As a mother, I have sacrificed and will continue to sacrifice to ensure my kids receive a good education. I am thankful for organizations like The Reform Alliance that provide resources and assistance to my efforts.
TAVONIA STRICKLAND
Little Rock
On the Postal Service
I am not a big fan of the Postal Service, but this is in reply to Steve Foster of Fayetteville's letter. He was not happy when a letter to be mailed sat in his box for a couple of days.
Apparently he did not receive any incoming mail on those days. The carrier will not stop to pick up an outgoing letter if he is not stopping to deliver incoming mail. I found this out through experience.
CLAIRE LEHENY
Jacksonville