Modern Parenting and Our Children's Socialization

Society today focuses on "modern parenting," constantly broadcasting ways for parents to respect their children's individuality.  How to let their kids be themselves.   Allow them to explore the world around them and find out who they are.  Yet few supporters of modern parenting offer solid advice on how to raise a kid with a heart.  A kid that puts others before themselves.  A kid that strives to obey his/her parents.  A kid that respects limits.

You might ask yourself, do these kids even exist?  I am here to tell you they do and to hopefully offer some suggestions on how you can raise your kids to have a heart.   I am a parent of seven children and believe me I would never leave their upbringing in the hands of our society today.

One common discussion that is often brought up in circles is the need for socialization.  Modern parenting stresses the importance of properly socializing our kids.  In fact this one point is often the strong determining factor in where our children attend school.  Will they be home schooled?  Should we schedule frequent play dates for our little ones?  How about exposure to television and camps and dances?  The lists go on and on.

When it comes to modern parenting and socializing our kids you should ask yourself 3 questions:

1. What exactly does it mean to socialize our children?
2. Where do we want our children learning this important characteristic?
3. Most importantly, who should teach them?

First let me reflect on exactly what socialized means.  To be socialized is to behave sociably.  A sociable person is one characterized by friendly companionship.  Someone you are fond to be around.  A socialized person is responsible.  Completes tasks efficiently.  Thinks about others before themselves.  Conforms to the laws of society.  Respects rules from authority figures.  This person is someone you can count on to set a good example.

This leads to the next question, how do our children learn to be socialized?  The list is larger than you might think.  Your children are learning:at school, from television from billboards, advertisements, commercials grocery stores, music videos, what they read, EVERYONE they are around from friends, family, church members and individuals that are involved in common activities.

With this much bombardment on one mind a parent has a strong responsibility to ensure their child receives proper guidance, and our society does not offer it.  The one person that should direct a child's socialization is a parent.  It is our responsibility to raise our children to have a heart.  Not only our responsibility, but our joy to do so.

Every parent needs to take some time to reflect on where their children are being socialized.  Determine if it is what you want your children to be.  If you find yourself unsure of what your child is learning start looking for ways to change their influences.  Take the time to evaluate what is best for your children and take action.  So much more goes into a loving heart, and modern parenting isn't the best at covering this.