A Celebration of Children

I love children! Throughout my 30 year educational career I have spent my life with thousands of them. I have had the privilege of rearing two endearing sons and being a grandpa to two of the most fabulous children I have ever met. In short, I am a blessed man.

I also love the work of Edith Schaeffer whom I have had the privilege of personally meeting twice. Eight years ago, at 86 years of age she penned her 20th and perhaps her last book, A Celebration of Children. It's not a best seller - in fact, you can get this 80 page book for less than $5.00; though brief and inexpensive, it is rich with wisdom and imagination to help "parents-in-training and "parents-to-be" who are striving to create a loving atmosphere for the next generation. I chose to write about such a book because of its vital importance; no compensatory strategies or philosophies will overrule the tragedy of a lost generation. And, the sobering truth is, we only have one chance to parent rightly.

Edith weaves 26 truths throughout her book, starting with "Our First Home", the place of the greatest intimacy, the mother's womb; the book ends with "Flowers in the Field", a convicting check-your-heart story about the long reaching significance of a momentary action. At that moment, which is most important? A fist full of muddy flowers, picked just for you, dripping onto a just cleaned floor or the visible reality that once again, the child burst through the wrong door and forgot to take off his shoes? The blend of the moment and the ongoing. Life starting in the most intimate setting being lived out with an ebb and flow of joys and disappointments.

The family is to be a perpetual relay of truth encouraging the thrill of unending wonder. It sets an example for children to follow; teaching by life is so much more important that teaching with words. But, parents must also speak with words of wisdom, guiding their children to a bright future while building character. Family life is pictured as a patchwork quilt covered with living designs which are often sewn at the most inconvenient moments. Edith blends the art of loving children and sharing with them, inspiring creativity, encouraging independence while preserving their childhood.

A Celebration of Children is not a shallow, quick 10-step approach to child rearing. It promotes an ongoing change of heart in each member of the family. It does not sugar coat the incredible responsibility laid upon parents; she, too, honestly talks about her failures as a parent. I connect with this book in so many ways for my wife and I have experienced many parenting successes and failures. Now that those years are gone and grandparenting has come, I can honestly say with understanding, "Celebrating children is a work of heart."

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Dean Boyer is a contributing author for the Teaching with Aloha Blog, and has been an educator for nearly 30 years in the United States and Taiwan. He has been a guest speaker at the East Asia Regional Conference for Overseas Schools, the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children and the Association of Christian Schools International. Currently he serves as Superintendent at a Christian school near Seattle, Washington. He has been happily married 32 years and enjoys being “dad” to his two sons,their wives and “grandpa” to his two grandchildren.

Comments

[dave]

I get the feeling Dean, a book like this will help to ground those of us who let our priorities drift with the busyness of daily work life.

[Steve Sherlock]

Good summary Dean, this book is now in my checkout listing at Amazon. Our children (young and old) are our future, we need to take care of them, nurture them properly (not coddle them) or the world as we know it and expect it to be will become unlivable.

One of my favorite quotes in this space comes from Kirk Weisler who once said "Our example to our children, to our families, and to the world around us is constant. The question is not whether or not anyone is watching, the question is what are they learning as they watch." in one of his Thought for the day (T4D).

[David Zinger]

Thanks for the book. I love that it was written by some when they were 86. Talk about a strong generational connection.

[Dean Boyer]

Dave, Steve and David, thank you for your comments. When read together, they flow in a similar pattern. After writing the review, I read that 1/100 Americans are in prison! That is staggering. How might have this been different if more parents like you had chosen to guard their families as priorities? Thanks again.

[Tom Smart]

Nice review Dean! Have you read the poem "They Ask Me Why I Teach." That one motivated me as both educator and parent and now grandparent myself.
Having and showing RESPECT for these special people-necessary for success and enjoyment in these callings.

Thanks for taking the time to bring Edith Schaeffer to my attention.

[Julie, writer Surefirewealth.com]

Children have this amazing and wonderful capability of pointing out the simplest of things and evoking such profound emotions out of us. Their way of thinking is not yet piled up with tons and tons of outer voices. They speak what they feel and what they think.

[Dean Boyer]

Tom and Julie,

Thanks for your comments. I have read that poem and am challenged by it still; I had never considered pointing parents to it. Thanks for the reminder. Simplicity and honesty are certainly a couple of joys found when working with children! May we never full grow up!

[Dean Boyer]

Follow-up...this was sent to me today...sobering!

Today in America...

- 6,000 talented young people will drop out of school.

- over 9 million children do not have health insurance.

- 12 young people will commit suicide.

- 960 children will be victims of a violent crime.

It was never supposed to be this way! May what we do today and each day, interrupt this pattern!

[Karen Wallace]

Dean, loud applause coming at you across the seas... this sounds like a great book. I can hear your commitment and dedication to the future of children in every word you write.

As a parent currently in the thick of child-rearing, I think one of the greatest things we can do for our children is to recognise that we don't know it all - and go search out great learning tools. (That and admit to our mistakes...) Thank you for adding this one to my list.

[Ayesha]

Hello..,

Guiding and molding children is second to God.
Look here for some more parenting dicipline's

[Angela Maiers]

Dean, I would not agree more. celebrating children, is work of the heart! I can not wait to add this to my collection of inspiring books that remind us of our influence in the lives and minds of our children. Your passion comes through loud and clear, and I so look forward to connecting soon.

Another treasured favorite you might enjoy: Reading Magic from Mem Fox. This book is filled with passion for reading, passion for books, and passion for children!

[Inspiring Children]

Nice to read your article, Children may also choose to make a video or an MP3 recording using Audacity. I have come across one site which inspire's children to build up self esteem.