Moral Authority
Who Ya Gonna Call?
By Rexanne Mancini

I’ve been thinking a lot about moral authority the past few months, ever since seeing the phrase used as a way to evaluate U.S. presidents and their overall impact and ability to lead.

It got me thinking about how we, as parents, need to embrace our moral authority to be able to teach our kids right from wrong. If not us, then who has the moral authority to educate our children? Basically, "Who Ya Gonna Call" when the going gets tough? Guess what? YOU are the resident ghost buster; YOU'RE the leader with the moral authority to make the best choices for your kids and family. Best get used to it. 

 Kids will look to idols and figures of leadership other than us if we don’t exercise our moral authority. Who would you rather instruct your kids on life issues? If not us, it will be someone potentially less moral or with morals not in tune with ours.

Parents, please take your moral authority seriously. You absolutely DO have the moral authority and responsibility to pass your beliefs onto your kids. Moral authority pretty much boils down to leadership and being in command of the rules. Don't question whether you are right or wrong on an important issue that might arise with your child. If you do not want your child to experiment with drugs or alcohol or sex or any other moral dilemma, you need to take the moral authority invested in you as a parent and make sure your child knows what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. Pointing out the dangers or potential damage immoral or unscrupulous actions could cause is vital in teaching your children how to make good choices in their lives when you are not there to guide them or keep them out of trouble.

Just as our president leads and assumes the character of our country, parents must lead and assume the moral authority of their family. "The family is the original seat of government" and we, as parents, plant seeds of morality and ethics in our young children.

The expression "It takes a village to raise a child" might seem to come from a place of parental insecurity, if you think about it. Alternatively, it could mean that a wise parent seeks guidance when in doubt about a situation that arises with their child. Even our president has a cabinet of trusted advisors who guide him on issues if he has doubts.

When I receive an email from a parent struggling with their child, I am more than happy to offer my opinion and advice on the issue. Although my ideas on parenting might not be what they want to hear, at the very least, they'll have another view which just might work with their child if theirs doesn't. And it still comes down to the parent making the final decision in the best interest of their child, because,, ultimately, a parent truly does have their child's best interest at heart more than anyone.

Embrace your moral authority and stay true to your beliefs. You also have the moral authority, as parents, to change your mind if you decide that what is in the best interests of your children means fine-tuning your thinking about certain subjects. Ultimately, your children will grow up and be on their own. With a solid moral foundation, you can rest easier knowing you have given them the strength and ethical integrity to choose wisely and be safe when you are no longer there every minute of the day and night to protect them.

© - 2005 Rexanne Mancini

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