| There are significant and growing challenges for | | | | possess the ability to raise their children well, as well as |
| parents to learn to raise their children well. In a | | | | faith in their child to withstand the pressures that they |
| sociological sense, childhood and free play appear to | | | | face. Doubts can undercut both a parent's and a child's |
| be shrinking in their value, and children are increasingly | | | | self-confidence, and can cause parents to be overly |
| becoming the targets of consumerism that already | | | | protective and to neuter the child from his or her ability |
| affects adults. Just like children, parents need moral | | | | to face challenges. |
| support if they are to have the endurance and | | | | These two qualities also need to be integrated into a |
| perserverance to raise their children well. | | | | basic understanding of raising children, an education |
| Here are two qualities that are helpful for modern | | | | that many lack. |
| parenting. | | | | Research in the United States shows that a child's |
| First: courage. Parents need the fortitude to parent | | | | ability to succeed at school is related to their parent's |
| differently. It's very difficult to keep your children both | | | | ability to parent well. Indeed, these studies conclude |
| protected but also aware of the challenges of life. | | | | that the best way to improve your child's education at |
| Media in particular can exert a very negative influence | | | | school is it improve your skills as a parent at home. |
| on your children, and your parenting needs to have the | | | | These parenting qualities include self-confidence, |
| audacity to compete with these influences. It takes | | | | self-discipline, team-building skills, and clear |
| courage to implement family values in a culture that is | | | | communication. Creating a solid base from these |
| often at odds with these same values. | | | | qualities can create an excellent environment for your |
| Second: faith. Parents need to believe that they | | | | child. |