nurturing lifelong learners

Remembering Memorial Day when George Floyd’s case made headlines was indeed impactful. As a Hispanic American, a self-taught Certified Paralegal (C.P.), an educator, and an advocate for the love of learning through books, it raised important questions in my mind.

I couldn’t help but wonder about the accuracy of the information presented. So, I sought out different news sources and compared their reporting. Unlike many others, I had already been homeschooling my children, emphasizing limited screen time for elementary-age kids. I firmly believe that young children do not need extensive online exposure.

While the COVID-19 pandemic forced many of us to rely on social media for communication, I felt that it wasn’t enough. I disagreed with some aspects of the mainstream media narrative and felt compelled to do more.

As an Independent Consultant for Usborne Book & More, my mission is to promote reading skills and empower children to love learning. I’ve dedicated years to shaping a narrative that fosters lifelong learning. However, what happens when our children are taught to believe that success depends solely on their race, and that intelligence alone is not enough?

When I teach my child about the law, I make sure to provide a comprehensive view of its history. I help him understand how various communities, including black, Chinese, Irish, and Mexican, have faced oppression under the law at different times. But I also highlight how these communities have fought for justice and equality.

As parents, it’s our responsibility to teach our children essential values, including the fundamental principle of loving one’s neighbor. I grew up in a multicultural city in Miami, where diversity was celebrated. When my son, at just two years old, began noticing differences in skin color, he innocently pointed it out. It was a teaching moment.

I explained to him that God created diversity because he enjoys the beauty of differences. It’s our duty to instill these values in our children and show them how to love one another.

Teaching resilience is crucial. Children sometimes encounter hurtful words or actions. We must guide them on how to handle these situations with courage and strength. We should teach them to focus on the positive, to acknowledge pain without becoming victims.

In a world that can be unkind, children can find solace in faith. It’s our responsibility to fill that gap. When I share history with my son, I present both the positive and negative aspects, connecting the dots to help him understand.

I don’t begin with Plessy v. Ferguson, a 1896 Supreme Court decision supporting racial segregation. Instead, I start with the post-Civil War era when black people were elected to public office. I explain how, in 1899, Democratic leaders instituted systemic racism to oppress various communities. It’s essential to impart that facts can be twisted by those seeking power.

Our schools shouldn’t instill fear of police officers in children. Police officers, like teachers, serve their communities. We shouldn’t be afraid unless we engage in wrongdoing. However, it’s crucial to clarify that we have the right to question the government and write to our representatives about moral and legal concerns.

We must educate our children about our Constitutional Republic and how our freedoms are enshrined in the Constitution. Anti-racist laws, written by individuals disregarding the Constitution, should be explained. Encourage them to read and explore facts independently.

Teach them that challenges will come their way, but through freedom, they can overcome them. If we fail to educate them, others will instill values we might disagree with. Our lessons will endure after we’re gone.

Help your children value the rights granted by God. Teach them to pray and rely on Him. Stand up for your rights as parents and protect your children’s future. As more challenges arise, our children will remember the values we instilled and find strength in God.

Inspire them to read and cultivate a love for learning. Reading has the power to shape their worldview and encourage independent thinking.

To further emphasize the importance of reading, I recommend watching the powerful commercial by Indigo Kids, a Canadian book chain, showcasing the love of reading.