THE PUBLIC MIND: VALUES OF FUTURE ARE BEING FORMED TODAY

To the Editor:

It is important to identify family values (Perspective, July 13). The definition I feel best is that family values are "a set of guidelines or general principles on which a home is operated."

This is, of course, a mouth full in today's society of broken homes, single parents and a lack of general direction in many homes.

However, in today's society, family values are generally lost to other pursuits. And a new set of values has emerged. Among these are the pursuit of money, pleasure and possessions. These are the new values we as parents are passing on to our children.

Like it or not, the average child will grow up to follow in the same basic life style as the parents or the person they are most influenced by, whether it is the parent, a neighbor, a sports hero or their playmate down the block. Sad as it may be, and tough as it is to accept, many children today learn their values from someone other than their parents.

Does it and will it have an adverse effect on our country? You only need to view the daily newspaper or the television news to realize the answer is yes it has and is.

A few examples of good values are honesty, not only with others, but with yourself. Respect. Respect for life, respect for others. Respect for feelings and for property. Respect for authority. Stability, not only as a person, but in your family life. Most important of values is belief in God, support for country, and support of its leaders.

These values can only be passed on by a parent or parents that directly involve themselves in the life of the child.

The pleasant thing about all this is that in recent years many parents have begun to realize you cannot allow just anyone to influence your children. These parents are beginning to socially interact with their children in more positive ways. This is the start to a brighter future.

Our future values are being formed in our children today. The attitudes and actions of today's children will translate into the social values 15 to 20 years from now. What kind of future are you and I leaving for tomorrow? Only time will tell, and only you through the values you pass on to your children can influence that future.

Jon Keltie

Cape Girardeau