I must say that I am proud to have grown up in the late 60's and early 70's when education meant learning. As a little girl I remember always looking forward to going to school. I wanted to be the best writer in my English class, I wanted to be the best mathematician in my Math class, I wanted to be the best Scientist in my Science class, and the list goes on. However, for no specific reason, was I so excited about going to school. What is the missing ingredient in education? I would say the parent. Sure, many of us would like to blame it on the teacher, perhaps even the cultural divides, but suffice it to say, where are the parents. Who's at home making sure that the homework is complete? Often times, as parents, our expectations are misplaced in that, what we expect is unfair when we no longer are looked upon as helpers in the home. What I mean by this is, as parents, how can we expect our 5th grader to understand Algebra when we can't understand it and don't have a clue on how to help. Parents use to sit down with their children to make sure the homework was learned and done correctly, however, what happens now is the parent allows the child to go to his/her room and do their homework while the television is on and he/she is listening to their ipod.

There comes a time when we as parents must be accountable for something and I think education is far too important to place the blame elsewhere. I can't remember a time when I was growing up that my mother did not sit down with all of her children and make sure that our homework was complete. That does not mean she did the work for us. She made sure that we did our own work and before we could leave the table, she made certain that we understood our assignment. She did not just take our word for it as some parents do today.

One might ask how did we get to this point. I must say that there isn't just one issue that has caused this dilemma. I believe that there are a couple issues that have cheated our parents on how to be creative and help their children. The first issue and most dramatic is our economic divide. Many parents especially in a single parent home just don't have the time anymore to come and assist. Many parents are forced to work long tiring hours just to make ends meet. Many parents are often times forced to work more than one job, which is also a factor in the parent having less time to help the child. Lastly, but certainly not less significant, many parents today are very young and are less educated. With that said, what that means if that they helping with the homework become troublesome because the parent now struggles with knowing what to do, but also with not allowing her child to know that he/she is incapable of assisting.

Fortunately all is not lost. There are thousands of programs out that will help both the child as well as the parent. Far more programs than were offered when I was growing up. So, here we have a situation that we cannot ignore. The Parent! That is the key to our children's priceless education. WE must step to the plate and remember not to leave anyone stranded. Our jobs are important and I'm not belittling anyone who takes care of their families in this world in which we survive. However, there is no sacrifice greater than the sacrifice we make for our children and their education. We must stop fishing for our children but start teaching them how to fish and survival will become a most common way of life.

Parents? It's time!

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