Never Discount Your Role As Your Child's First Educator

Do we really, I mean REALLY, recognize how critical and valuable our role is to be our children’s “first educator”? Fredrich Frobel did. Frobel was considered by many to be the father of modern education and is still highly regarded by many in the education field today. Coining the term “kindergarten” with his native German, he felt education should give children (kinder=children) a place to grow (garten=garden).

I was reminded of Fredrich Frobel recently when I heard the broadcast Fredrich Frobel and Kindergarten replay on my local National Public Radio station. Frobel recognized parents, women specifically, in their roles as educators. He encouraged them saying, “The destiny of nations lies far more in the hands of women, the mothers, than in the possessors of power.” The broadcast explained that in his eyes, it wasn’t just okay to focus on teaching your child; it is a significant and important work, so significant that the “destiny of nations” is in the parent’s hands.  

Frobel also regarded religious education for the child as a foundation for learning. He considered education without it to be “one-sided, defective, and fruitless.”

Needless to say, I found the whole broadcast to be interesting and agreed wholeheartedly with the views he expressed about the importance of religious education and parents as important teachers.

Our scriptures and church leaders have taught us similar things repeatedly. Quotes are abundant.  A few of my favorites are:  

“When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses?”

–Neal A. Maxwell, ”The Women of God,” General Conference APRIL 1978

“All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children”

-3 Nephi 22:13

“Teaching in the home is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, where the influence of the adversary is so widespread… Parents must resolve that teaching in the home is a most sacred and important responsibility.”

-L.Tom Perry, “Mothers Teaching Children in the Home,” General Conference APRIL 2010

Parents, teaching our children matters! We should never discount our vital role as teachers of both secular and spiritual knowledge.

Our preschool curriculum was never intended to be used in place of turning to your Heavenly Father for inspiration on how best to teach your child. No curriculum could substitute for the connection between heaven and home. However, teaching from an organized framework can be a helpful resource. Our curriculum can help you with that framework. Our desire is to help create homes of faith and learning.

Enjoy these free downloadable quotes highlighting the importance of our roles as parents in the education of our children:

If you’re interested in our stories as educators, visit our “About Us” page.