Peer Pressure

Many Christian parents are under the misconception that putting their children in a Christian school will protect them from negative peer pressure. Those of us who provide the Christian school alternative are, of course, very vigilant to monitor our students’ behavior and we make every effort – and I believe we do a pretty good job – minimizing negative peer pressure among our charges. However, as every parent of even one child knows, kids can be pretty sneaky, and when they are grouped together they can develop a sort of synergy. You know what I mean, don’t you? That two kids can get into way more than twice the trouble that one child alone can?

So, how can we protect our children from negative peer pressure, and what are we paying all those tuition dollars for, anyway? Well, I didn’t exactly say there was no protection, or that the Christian school couldn’t help at all. In fact, we have a plan! Our mission is to help you develop in your child the character of Jesus Christ. In fact, if you identify a character quality you want to see in your son or daughter, we can work on that project with you. And how does this help protect them from negative peer pressure? By giving them the tools they need to effectively resist the temptation to behave badly or unwisely when it presents itself.

Character development has other benefits as well. At CHILD we are committed to the truth that exceptional academic achievement is a natural by-product of the development of the character of Christ in the individual. We present genuine and authentic learning experiences to every child under our guidance. The child who is wise, diligent, alert, self-controlled, attentive, and punctual will receive the learning and excel far beyond the child who is really smart, but doesn’t manifest the same character qualities. Talent may get you into the game, but only training, practice, and personal discipline will make you a champion.

Children eventually acquire many of the character traits of Christ if they walk in Him. Some they will learn by their own encounter with Jesus, and some by watching their earthly role models – you and me. But why wait for them to absorb them by osmosis? Wouldn’t it be far more effective if we integrated them into the daily curriculum? Can you imagine a school full of children who demonstrate daily these character qualities both in school and at home? We can, and we want you to catch our vision and work with us to build His Church one child – one family – at a time.