The Rogue Parent

American Values I’m Teaching My Kids… And You Should Too.

With all the buzz of the election and the core of our country’s fundamentals more diluted than ever, now is an important time to take a look at a few of the ideals that made America great.

America is based on the strength of the individual and the understanding that if you want to accomplish something in life, YOU need to be the one to make it happen.  We’re fortunate to live in a country that allows us the freedom to reach for the stars, that same freedom means we must also risk a fall.  Teaching our children to understand freedom, and the responsibility it entails, is a paramount job for all parents.

Why is it so important to teach our children the fundamentals of America, and freedom?  As Ronald Regan put it, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”  Here’s five values that I’m teaching my kids and you should be teaching yours…

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.
- Ronald Regan

American Value #1: You Can Be Anyone You Want, If You’re Willing to Work for It

When we’re all born we’re equal.  Some people will have an easier time finding success than others, but in general we’re all equal.  Take a look at Barack Obama, he came from very humble beginnings to become a major world figure.  It doesn’t matter if you’re filthy rich or dirt poor, you can become whom you want to be in life.  When I’m teaching my kids this lesson, I will be making it very clear that you, not the government is the key to success.  When you look to the government for handouts, you’re giving up your freedom to reach for the stars.

American Value #2: Leave Your Neighbor Alone

They say that good fences make good neighbors.  In reality, as long as you respect your neighbor, you don’t need a fence.  Don’t worry if someone just got a great job or a windfall profit, good for them.  If your neighbor needs a helping hand, offer it to them; it’s your civic duty.  But if they wish to be left alone, leave them alone.  Nothing is more infuriating when other people try to instill their beliefs, values or points-of-view on others.  The government’s job is not to make you and your neighbor equal.  The government’s job is to make sure you’re abiding by basic laws.

American Value #3: Rely on Yourself, Friends and Family. Not the Government

Look in the mirror.  That’s who is solely responsible for your success or failure.  If you’re hungry, find the means to feed yourself.  If you’re cold, find a blanket.  When you have to turn to the government for help you’re taking an easy way out and not solving the problem, you’re just covering it up.  If you really want to help yourself out of a tough spot, go to your family and friends and rely on the community around you.  Through the kindness of others you can find the strength to pull yourself out of a bad spot.  And once you’re up, pay it forward and help the next person.

American Value #4: Help Those Who Have Fallen

We are lucky to no only live in a free land, but also in the most generous land in the world.  It is each citizen’s job to support themselves and their families. When someone does need help, hundred’s of years of data shows that charities, churches and families will take care of that need.  As American’s we all need to look out for each other.  When you help those who have fallen, you’re also helping yourself.  And guess what, charities and friends can spend money and help others far more wisely than the government.  When citizens turn a blind eye to those in need and let the government become a nanny we’re giving away our freedom, and responsibility, of being a part of a community.

American Value #5: Work Hard at Being Free

They say being free isn’t free, which is so true.  We must work every day to preserve our freedom, which often means having to go that extra mile.  Sometimes it may seem easier to say, “The government should take care of my health,” or “If someone makes that much, they can afford to pay more,” but the cost to freedom can be great.  As poet Robert Burns puts it, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”  The consequences of giving up some freedom for a convenience can be far greater than what you may expect.

As Americans we must work hard to preserve every aspect of our freedom from the big to the small.  No matter how insignificant it may seem, we all must choose freedom over the alternative.

Freedom has never been taken away in a truck, it’s been taken away in a thimble.

These are just a few of the Great American Values that we’ve been missing lately. Have some more?  Comment below.