The Role of the Educator Making Moral Children The Role of the Educator

3 Purposes of Educators 1. Seed planters: we rarely see the fruit; 2. Instruments: we are all that God has; 3. An intrusive presence: we don’t have to please, we have to be there.

Some principles: Grace builds on nature: you can only be where you are, and what you are. Grace=Dynamism. Determine the meaning of “need”. Some children, especially adolescents feel more than think. Spirituality= relationship to something greater than ourselves, gives direction to a higher purpose.

What’s happening? Sex at a younger age: 2/3 active; 1/3 regret it. Economics: children have tremendous buying power. Many children are adult-free Moral relativism. Less persistence More ambitious More knowledgeable but less wise.

Young people are more spiritual, but less religious Their religion is unconventional. Their religion is custom-made. Doctrine is less important than service. They lack imagination. They reach a saturation point more frequently. They are more concerned with behavior of adults, than advice.

Young people: Are more critical of adults; Define Church as fellowship; Erratic behavior Have a tough time making decisions; Capacity to fall in love with ideas; Greater impulsivity More egocentric; Expanded capacity for empathy.

Conscience of a 12-year-old: God Everything else school parents

Educators: Energy level? The only thing that changes is our age. Expectations of our role? How to we reflect/define friendship? How do we meet our own personal needs? Are we content with our limits? For what are we grateful?

The Role of Educators Where is our moral compass? How can we tolerate ambivalence? Healthy relationships Good boundaries Acknowledging what we do well.

Some final thoughts: We can only do so much: how do we engage parents and others in the “village”? We need to be visionary and realistic. Know when to say “no”,but always have something to say “yes” to.