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AndyC wrote:Teach your kids how to read - PLEASE! I swear by all that's holy, Africans can read and write better English in the 6th grade that American kids can after they leave high school, from all I've seen.

If I see someone write "I should of..." one more time, I'm going postal

Teach them their nation's history and what a miracle it truly is; teach them the value of respect for - but not blind obedience to - authority, and teach them the difference. Teach them the value of self-reliance, teach to think for themselves and to never, ever trust anything that the media or a politician says.

This plus expose them to a broad array of reading materials, old and new sources, but be prepared to talk to them about what they picked up from the reading and most importantly why they picked up what they did. Don't try to force your kids into a mold but rather give them self reliance, skills and guidance to mold themselves. Encourage their curiosity even if means they discover things that may differ from your core beliefs. It becomes your opportunity to teach them the differences and why you believe what you do. Praise them often and publicly, punish them fairly and privately. You will end up with kids who can make their way in the world by themselves and that ultimately is the role we must accept as parents.