What if We Believed Children Were Our Future?

I believe children are our future

Teach them well and let them see the way

Show them all the beauty they possess inside

Give them a sense of pride to make it easier

Driving into work Whitney Houston’s song “The Greatest Love of All” played.  The song made me think if we really believe children are our future?  If we believe children are our future, wouldn't we as a nation do better for our children?

As a nation, a majority of our children receive mediocre health care, a majority do not receive a world class education and a majority go hungry and are homeless.  If we believed children are our future, more parents would demand access to affordable health care as their right as a citizen of the United States, not a privilege to be toyed with by politicians.  More Governors, Mayors and local leaders would create legislation to improve the education of children, reduce the cycle of poverty and take back neighborhoods so communities can thrive. 

If we believed children are our future, our nation would have universal early childhood programs to provide children a solid foundation to begin their education.  More of our Congressional leaders would vote to appropriately fund public education so children can receive the world class education they deserve. Our Congressional leaders would make the education of children a top priority.

If we believed children are our future, our schools would be a place where learning occurs, a place where children feel safe, a place with resources to support struggling learners, a place where parents and teachers are partners.  More teachers would be advocates of children and provide their students with the same education their children receive in private, parochial and suburban schools.  More administrators would hold teachers accountable for the academic failures of children instead of blaming the child.  Lastly, Districts would hold Principals accountable for schools that fail to meet the educational needs of children.

Finally, if we believed that children are our future, more parents would demand more from their schools.  More parents would attend parent/teacher conferences, volunteer in their child’s school and demand more accountability from Principals and teachers.  More parents would also read to their children, make sure their children are studying and their homework is done.

If we truly believe that our children are our future, it will take an investment from everyone to secure their future.