PARENTING IN THE 21ST CENTURY:

ARE WE PREPARED?

By Pat Spradley

Parenting is always a difficult challenge; therefore, we must assess what we are doing to make sure our children are prepared to thrive in the 21st century. What are some basic things we can do to lay the groundwork?

FIRST: Know what 21st century skills are. The “21st Century Workforce Commission’s (2000) National Alliance defines it this way:

l Digital-Age Literacy Skills

(ex. multicultural literacy & global awareness)

l Inventive Thinking Skills

(ex. higher-order thinking & sound reasoning)

l Effective Communication Skills

(ex. teaming, collaboration & interpersonal skills)

l High Productivity Skills

(ex. prioritizing, planning & managing results)

Another way to think about it is “Does my child KNOW and can they SHOW” me ways to interpret, use, appreciate and create images and video using both conventional and 21st century media in ways that advance thinking, decision-making, communication and learning.

SECOND: Make sure that you are doing the required things to lay the foundation.

Proper amount of “Rest”: One might ask, what does this have to do with 21st century skills. Well, a large percentage of parents and children, just do not get enough sleep. Parents must protect children from being forced to accommodate adult needs and schedules. Do we keep kids out all hours of the night on school nights and expect them to handle our situations or do we plan in a way that ensures they are home for a good night’s sleep, not worrying about anything but “kid stuff”? Routine and regularity are keys for a well-balanced life, and especially for a safe, relaxed, healthy environment in which a child can develop. The greatest effect that parents have on their children is creating a family life that is a safe haven, a relational world, and a healthy influence ordered to meet the basic needs of children. This lays the groundwork for “high productivity” for the 21st century.

TV, Video & Computers: The average American child watches hours of electronic media every day. Are we prepared to monitor how long they watch TV and what games they play? Do we watch TV with them, providing opportunities for discussion that help develop “effective communication” skills? Are our children using the computer to perform technology functions expected in the classroom and the workplace—looking up pertinent information for assignments or projects, creating visually attractive documents, etc. When we know and regularly check, we are in fact supporting “digital-age literacy” skills.

Thinking: Do we know the kinds of things our children think about? Are we aware of just what raises their curiosity? Are they able to take risks? We must provide opportunities for them to demonstrate just how adaptable they can be. Giving them tasks with multiple steps helps them to manage complex responsibilities and show self-direction. Doing these things builds and reinforces “inventive thinking” or “critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Are we willing to do our part to help our children obtain the required 21st century skills? Stay tuned because we will be calling on you to help us. Making our kids’ dreams come true will take ALL of us!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!