LETTERS: LIKE TEACHING, PARENTING CAN BE NOBLE PROFESSION

To the editor:

A father asked his son why he wanted to be a teacher instead of a lawyer or doctor. The boy thought for a moment and responded: "But, Dad, somebody has to teach people to become a lawyer or doctor."

Teachers today are faced with more than just teaching. They have to contend with unruly children or children who want extra attention they don't get at home. Too often they have to put up with the child who just doesn't want to learn because parents don't want to be parents.

Most teachers would say they couldn't think of a more rewarding profession and money is not that important. Money is a poor measure of success anyway.

The beginning is the most important part of any work, especially in the case of children. Character is formed, and virtue is accepted readily. The preschool years are when children accept most of what they hear. If children hear stories we don't wish them to hear, they probably will not grow up to be of good character and virtue. It is the family's responsibility to teach children good manners, habits and character.

There is no more noble profession than teaching. Teachers teach leaders to be leaders, doctors to be doctors and lawyers to be lawyers. Parents need to give a helping hand so that, once again, parenting will likewise be a noble profession.

MACK ILLERS

Jackson, Mo.