We have often heard it said that parents are the primary educators of their children. Among others, we find the seeds of this idea in Cicero, for whom nature herself has instilled a “strangely tender love” for one’s children. It is likewise hinted at in Aquinas, who referred to the parental care of young children as a sort of “spiritual womb”. More to the point, just over half a century ago The Church herself, in Gravissimum educationis, has reminded us of this fundamental fact: “since parents have given children their life, they are bound by the most serious obligation to educate their offspring and therefore must be recognized as the primary and principal educators.” For this reason we view education as a partnership and as a co-conspiracy for the good of the boy.
In other episodes we have discussed the role of parents as educators of their children. Similarly, we have considered the school’s side of the great conspiracy for the good of the boy. We are aware of our duties, of how we sometimes fall short as teachers, and of our obligation to rise and fight to the end for the good for the good of our students.
In this week’s episode, we shift our focus to the role of parents and their duties towards school and community in the educational partnership. Alvaro responds to the following questions:
Show Highlights
Also on The Forum
Family Culture with Mr. Alvaro de Vicente
On Home as Social Hub with Mr. Tom Royals
Ways to Foster a Family Culture by Mr. Alvaro de Vicente
Creating a Culture of Learning in the Home by Mr. Alvaro de Vicente
Parents as Primary Educators by Mr. Michael Moynihan
“The Talk”: On the Role of Schools and Fathers with Mr. Michael Moynihan