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It’s a trust in instructors, an assumption of schools and their intentions: your child is receiving an education, is being offered the necessary information. There is no need therefore for you to devote yourself to repeating the lessons. All statistics of drugs, sex and their concerns are being detailed. You are not expected to add more.
This is the assumption of many parents — a belief that all relevant facts are meant to be offered in a classroom, with a home then kept free of awkward conversations. Such an assumption, however, is wrong; and it can prove to be dangerous.
Children are echoes of their parents. They will chase after the examples that are offered to them, will mimic what they learn. Choosing not to discuss important topics therefore will encourage silence — with youths unwilling to question behaviors and more willing instead to try them.
It is estimated that children who do not communicate with their parents are three times as likely to attempt dangerous behaviors (such as sampling drugs or alcohol). This is because the lessons that were offered in school had no relevancy; they were presented merely as facts to memorize. The involvement of mothers and fathers, however, could have solidified the information — and made it seem important.
Parents must therefore be willing to converse with their children. Issues of health, bullying and beyond must be addressed — and often. This is to ensure that the truth is stressed, rather than simply ignored. Schools can’t be expected to offer all knowledge. Families must instead share the responsibility.