Values versus Head Knowledge

I was reading a comment from a parent in one of my regular homeschooling forum and this is what she wrote:

"The first buildings blocks of a child are values and not just head knowledge. It's so easy to be caught up with the latest trends in the world of education and those labels sound so good - Mental Arithmetics, Phonetics Programmes etc and indeed they are good but when you fail to look deeper, then the good robs you of the best."

Now that got me thinking.... this parent is so right. She went on and gave an example of a friend who has an 'A' star child who was given the best and nothing less but has minimal values.

"Her daughter, since young, has been to the best kindy, followed the best programmes, and won so many awards in school and yet , could not and do not want to do simple chores at home. She shouts at her parents, slams on the door and demands for the best.She argues with her parents using all the best methods she acquired and it's grieving her parents. They asked, Where have we gone wrong? We gave her the best?"

"Hey, Mums, you don't realise the treasures that you hold at home...which money cannot buy and the world envy you for. The best programs that you can give your children are the ones that cannot be bought with money......the ones that you create for your children, your prayers. Just wait for the time they blossom and you will beam..all the hard work, the tears, the sacrifices will bear fruit in your children!"

So it's about time to look at our strategy in bringing up our kids. We want a balance and not just children who study and do well but lack values. Kids these days are so privileged. Maids to serve them and parents who will do anything for them as long as they excel in school. Asian parents especially!! Better do something before it's too late.