I was just inspired to say that I think it would be really nice for you to do something special for your children today. It does not have to be something major—just do something special for them today. Our children are our greatest assets and we need to honor them as much as possible. If you don’t take that much time out to listen to your children, take a moment today just to talk to them to see how they are feeling, what may be worrying them, what they like most, and/or what is the greatest challenge they face. You may be surprised at what you discover.
If God has given you a child, He has given you the greatest blessing you can expect to receive. If you want your children to do better, then you are going to have to have the faith to believe that they can do better. Our children need our full support and unconditional love. Stop saying that your children are bad and just pray for them to improve. If you keep telling your children that they are bad, they will certainly become bad and never stop being bad, because you spoke this into their lives.
Don’t say that you don’t have the money to do something special for your children today. It does not take any money or much time to tell your children how much they mean to you and how much you love them. During this school year, try to become more involved in your children’s education. From my own experience, I know that having involved parents in my education made a significant difference in my educational experiences and outcomes throughout the K – higher education educational pipeline.
No matter the age of your children, they are still precious. God gave you the children in your lives to treasure, cherish, and protect, so please make sure you take care of them properly. Don’t let anyone come between you and your love for your children. Again, do something special for your children today!
Antonio Maurice Daniels
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Revolutionary Paideia 
I hate to see a child hurt. Almost daily, I will see someone talk down to a child in a store or on the street. Many times, to the point of making the child cry. That hurts the child as much as, or more than, a physical blow. What is wrong with human beings that they punish their most precious gift?
It takes a very insane parent to punish their most precious gift. People must understand that emotional abuse is much more damaging than physical abuse.
If there were more love and concern in fostering a child’s likes and interests, then perhaps we could talk about producing some future generations of citizens. It takes nothing, but the power of words to let children know that they matter. Thoughtful post.
Santresa, I could not agree with you more!