ASK DR.MOORE February 18, 2005

Dr. Mark Moore, author of the gender selection book Baby Girl or Baby Boy--Choose the Sex of Your Child, answers readers' questions on pregnancy and pediatrics.

Teach Your Children

Dr. Moore: When I was a junior in high school, my best friend asked me to go snow skiing. I had never skied before but he assured me his older brother would teach me. Lenny Tarnowski was ten years older but he took us nerdy teens along for the trip, drove the car, paid for our meals--and sure enough--he and my friend Dave took the time to teach me to snow ski. Teaching is hard work. Try doing it on an icy slope in 30 degree weather.

I have been through decades of schooling but in addition to teachers, so many others have taught me so many things over the years--parents, family, friends, acquaintances, even strangers.

Teach your children. Teach them daily. Teach them and you will leave them with something good-- something that will last. Teach your son to throw and catch a ball. Teach your daughter to smile and say thank you when someone compliments her. Teach them manners and politeness. Teach your children about gardening and woodworking. Teach them about housework and finances. Teach them to be nice to each other and take care of each other. Teach them to respect themselves and their parents. Teach them about God and religion. Teach them to thank their teachers. Teach them something. Teach them anything--just do it everyday.

I want to say thank you to Cody, a junior in high school at Banner Elk, NC who (without being asked) volunteered to teach me to snow-board one afternoon last month. And I thought it was hard to teach someone to ski....

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