Oct. 10, 2007 — Parents said prayers, recited pledges and texts, and took note of scripture passages — but it wasn’t a religious revival. Instead, it was a parenting session sponsored by Addelita Cancryn Junior High School.
More than two dozen adults gathered Wednesday evening for one of several outreach sessions designed to complement the positive behavior system adopted this year by the Education Department. The school has more than 700 students, said Cancryn Principal Yvonne Pilgrim, expressing disappointment that more parents didn't come out. Those that did appeared to listen closely, however.
"You have to demonstrate positive examples," said Earl DeWindt, a retired assistant principal of Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School and leader of Wednesday’s session. "Negative words destroy a child’s self esteem. I know some of you grew up with the notion that sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can’t. Well, I beg to differ. If you keep telling your child he’s not going to be anything, that’s what’s going to happen. Praise your children!"
DeWindt opened the session by having the crowd read in unison "A Prayer for our Children at School." He stressed, "Children need spiritual food. Pray with them and pray for them."
"I like the prayers," said Amazia Francis after the session. " It teaches how important it is to have a spiritual upbringing."
"I agree," echoed her friend Andrea Penn, who said that while she doesn’t have discipline problems at home, sessions like this are good reminders. "You always learn a little more."
DeWindt encouraged parents to develop their children’s study skills and said there’s no such thing as no homework: "Beginning today, make sure you have your children study at least one hour every day. The same place and the same time. During that time — no TV, no phone calls, no distractions."
He called on parents to learn what he described as the "five Ps": "Prior preparation prevents poor performance. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."
DeWindt peppered his message with references to scripture: "Proverbs, chapters three, five and six. Don’t leave it until you understand it." He also encouraged parents to remember that they are the boss. Discipline is important, he said, and he sanctioned the use of corporal punishment.
"A father must … sometimes administer a belt to the seat of a pants," DeWindt said, drawing praise from at least two parents who talked about the looks and comments they received on taking a hand to a child who had been disrespectful in public. "Some lady told me she should call the police," one woman lamented, describing an incident in Kmart when she struck her son.
"You correct your child," DeWindt responded. "You discipline them."
But he continued to drive home the message to "find something positive." He continued, "Praise reinforces positive behavior."
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