Character the key: parents' conference speaker

By LAUREEN McMAHON

People who have already raised their children are prone to commenting, "I wouldn't want to be a parent today!"

Raising children in the modern world is a big challenge, but there are some tried-and-true secrets to making a parent's job easier and family life more peaceful, says the Pacific Institute of Family Education, a non-profit group which supports parents in their role as primary educators of their children.

To help parents learn some strategies, PIFE will sponsor a one-day Parent Leadership Conference on Feb. 24 at the Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave. in New Westminster.

Keynote speaker James B. Stenson, an international consultant specializing in family life and family-school relationships, has taught the art of parenting for over 20 years.

It has been demonstrated, Stenson told The B.C. Catholic, that the real evil of materialism is not the pursuit of things, but rather, "seeing and treating other people as things, and therefore putting things ahead of people.

"Youngsters with a habit of thinking and acting this way are headed for trouble later in life: substance abuse, professional problems, marital break-up, and a life dominated by impulse and unrestrained egoism," he warned.

So what can parents do?

"Form character," said Stenson. Parents, he said, when they picture their children's future, need to think about character as well as career.

"This can be accomplished by being confident of your rightful authority as a parent and insisting that your children respect it," Stenson explained.

A parent's job "is not to keep children amused and busy, but rather to lead them to become competent, responsible, considerate, and generous men and women committed to live by principles of integrity."

It also means, he added, teaching the great character strengths; prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, and charity.

"These virtues are taught in three ways: by example, by directing behaviour, and by verbal explanation of right and wrong," Stenson said.

The Parent Leadership Conference, which will run from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., will include: panel discussions on Media Savvy, tips for parents on managing media; Who's In Charge Here? Freedom and Authority; and Educating children About Modesty and Intimacy.

Conference registration deadline is Feb. 16; there will be no registration at the door. The cost, $45 per person before Jan. 31 and $50 after, includes a box lunch. Registration is through www.pife.ca or by mailing payment to Parent Leadership Conference, 2981 264A St., Aldergrove, B.C., V4W 3B4.

Babysitting is available for a limited number of children at a per child fee. More information is available from conference secretary Maria Olaguera, 778-772-9019 or office@pife.ca.