HispanicVista Columnists

Parents Let’s Teach Our Children Well

 

By Domingo Ivan  Casañas/HispanicVista.com

May 30, 2005

 

I had read several years ago that by this year (2005) young Hispanics will become the largest ethnic youth group in the U.S.  This means that our children are a majority and we as parents have a great responsibility to teach them well.  We must teach them to be respectful, honest, caring and to show their love toward us with no embarrassment. We must teach them the difference between being a conservative, liberal, pacifist, patriotic, left wing, and right wing, socialist, communist, the difference between a Republican a Democrat or being an Independent. 

The reason I think that this is important is because in my years of going through public school in the United States since the third grade to my college years I encountered many teachers and professors that seem to have their own agenda and philosophy in the classroom.  And I am not speaking about their philosophy on the subject that I was there to learn but on what points they personally wanted to make.  Today, things have not changed, the only thing that has is that we have even more professors and teachers that no matter what subject they are teaching they will still put in their two cents on how they feel and influence our children to their side since they are the authority figure in the classroom. 

If you don’t believe me just ask your children what some of their teachers are saying about what we should do with our current situation and the terrorist act of 9/11/2001.

You will be amazed that it is not only the History teachers that are talking about it.  But we have so many Pacifist teachers and professors that in my opinion are close to being anti-Americans.  This is why our role as parents is so important and valuable to the next generation. 

Our children maintain their American pride, but yet they display their heritage in myriad ways.  They wear Puerto Rican Flags on their T-shirts, some Cubans might wear a shirt that says “Not only am I perfect, but I’m Cuban too.”  Some Mexicans will display their Mexican flag in their car, or wear a sport shirt from their favorite soccer team.  But above all they like to belong and be an integral part of America. 

It is our duties as Hispanic parents to learn more about what our children are being taught,  how responsible they are, how honest they are and to teach them to set goals and reach out toward their dreams.  As parents we must take an active role in making sure that our children are being productive in their studies, doing their homework, and not just playing on the Internet.  It is the role of the parent to teach and talk about sex to our children and not just one time but often.  Motivate them to ask questions and let’s answer them honestly and sincerely. 

Our children can be influence easily.  This is why it is so important to have guidelines and rules for them.  We must also be alert to who their friends are, as well as who they might be already seeing as a boyfriend or girlfriend.  When you show your children that you care about them and that they can talk to you openly, you will be able to gain their confidence and know that they will be honest with you.  Let them know that you also worry about what they worry about, gain their thrust, by letting them know what your values and beliefs are.  When children know our moral values they will take them into account when they need to make a moral decision.  Our children need our support and our guidance to become responsible and play a significant positive role in our society. 

With the Hispanic youth overtaking blacks to become the largest ethnic youth population within the next four years we must do our job as parents so that we see a more respectful, patriotic, honest and with moral values teens.  Our Latino children can make the difference on how America can be even a better place to live in our future. 

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Domingo Ivan Casañas, a contributing columnist to HispanicVista.com (http://www.hispanicvista.com/), is a writer for several newspapers in his community of Northern California.  Mr. Casañas has been nominated for the Citizen of the year in his hometown.  He has also been nominated for the Cesar Chavez Award in recognition of continuing Community Service and Embodiment of the Cesar Chavez Values.  Domingo is the AUTHOR of a new book about Cuba and a journey to freedom that will debut in June 2005 titled: CUBA THE TARNISHED PEARL.  Excerpts of this book may be read at: http://www.cubanbook.com/ email:   LatinoAchievers@aol.com