Teach Your Children Well

The portrayal of Charlotte's parents produces a very positive image. They seemed to not only follow through on their role as parents but also, loved being parents. They treasured and loved their child. The fact that Charlotte loved them so deeply and did not want to disappoint them is quite evident. Her heart was torn between following her heart, however deceived it was, and conforming to what she knew to be a wise choice that would have brought honor to her parents.

Although most people do not send their young adolescents off to a boarding school for training any longer, The Temple’s were pretty much the same as parents of today. Most parents today want good things for their children and are willing to make the sacrifices in order to make that happen. Their role as overseers of Charlotte’s welfare is consistent with contemporary parents. Not to say that all parents are perfect, but they were doing the best that they knew how. I do not think you can ask for more than that.

Contemporary parents of today have a different set of challenges in raising their children. There is the internet, the onslaught of the cell phone, TV, movies, etc. to lure their beautiful, precious children away from all that is secure and safe. Where the Temples had the seducer, Montraville, the parents of today have a million more “Montravilian” hooks to destroy the lives of their children. So, the question is how can parents today save their daughters and sons from a “treacherous heart” that leads to betrayal and abuse?

I do not know that I have the final answer, but I do have a viewpoint as a parent. I have three sons that I have wished to protect as diligently as any daughter. There are many females in our culture that have no morals and do not have the best interest of my child at heart. The fate of their wellbeing is far from their concern. To be honest, I have tried to teach them well. I have tried to put down parameters of behavior that if followed, generally lead to safe passage into adulthood. My husband and I have tried to be consistent and not too strict, although the young men of my household might argue the strict part. One of the things that I do wish to point out is the personal responsibility. Teaching your child to be responsible for his or her own behavior is critical. In order to do this, you have to give them permission to make mistakes when the stakes are not so high. If anything could have potentially changed Charlotte’s decision making, it could be that she was in a situation where she was not capable of making a good decision based on a solid decision making process. Can that be taught? I think as parents, we must teach our children to make good decisions. They will not always be right, but as a parent, I don’t always make perfect decisions. Teaching your children that all decisions, good or bad, have consequences is critical.