Children begin by loving their parents.
After a time they judge them. Rarely,
if ever, do they forgive them.
Oscar Wilde

Remember when your class had a substitute teacher? You tried to pull gags and get over on her/him at every turn of the clock. Seemed like fun. I've come to think of guardians as substitute parents.

This can be frustrating when you are not sure of your audience or how to reach them. I've experienced quite a bit in the approximately two years of being a guardian to my nephew.

Too many substitutes can leave a child confused. My brother is the father of my nephew; however my father became my nephew's guardian at the age of five. My brother still resided in the same residence. My sister also shared in the raising of my nephew from a distance. As you can see, there have been many people involved in the raising of one child before I stepped into the role of legal guardian. You might think that I would have an abundance of notes and experience to review, but that isn't the case.

I've been left to stumble through trial and error. The books, counseling, journals and parenting magazines did not prepare me for my task. I understand that everybody teaches children differently and that most parenting is on the job training. I don't pretend to know how or what parenting was provided, but understand that I had different expectations. Education, respect and responsibility were my primary objectives.

Confidence in my parents teachings push me forward. I can always remember my father saying, "consequences...whatever your actions be aware of the consequences." But this is a different generation. What worked for me may not necessary work for others. So many of my peers can remember receving physical punishments, restrictions and endless conversations on doing the right thing. Why doesn't it work for today's youth.

Today, I am the substitute and my nephew is the class. The lesson is delivered and he recites what I say. Our session ends but what material has he retained and how can I be sure of my teaching methods?