How to Teach Kids About Substance

There seems to be an epidemic sweeping through our culture--a round-eyed wonder for things that are very superficial. There's an inordinate amount of time being spent oohing and ahhing over people who look good and say pretty things, when there's little time being spent looking for substance. So, what's the cure? I have a couple of ideas for ways we can teach kids about substance in a world gone mad over fluff.

Consider the Lilies of the Field: One way to show children what really matters is to start with the basics. Take your young ones out to where they can see the stars and talk to them about the vast distances between planets. Show them how perfectly designed flowers are for their habitats. Talk to them about the cycle of the seasons and the timelessness of space. Now that's something to be impressed by. Somehow, Kate Gosselin's haircut begins to pale by comparison.

Take a Page from History: Biographies of great people are a wonderful way to show kids what matters. Whether a founding father, a football hero or an activist for civil rights, there are people who have lived their lives in ways you'd like your kids to emulate. Find their stories and share with your family what made that special person someone to admire.

Experience the Remarkable: There are breathtaking experiences to be shared through the arts and sciences. Think of the books that inspired you as a child. What kind of art do your children find fascinating? Visit museums, exhibitions or book-readings. Take them to see worthwhile movies. Experiences that stretch their minds and spirits can be building blocks for a life spent pursuing excellence, rather than appearance.

Share Family Stories: Draw the timeline of your family's history and share the stories that will teach your kids what makes families strong. Every family has black sheep sprinkled in; make sure your kids know about the people who perservered through hard times. Hearing about my father's large family and how they survived the Depression firmly planted important lessons in my mind.

Move Beyond the Physical: A sure cure for materialistic admiration is to open the door to the spiritual. If your faith makes you appreciate people rather than things, long-term commitment, love and generosity rather than appearances, why not share that with your children? Giving them a glimpse of the spiritual can open a whole new perspective on what's admirable.

Wouldn't it be nice if we had the time to filter everything children hear and see? We don't, but we are able to help them build a framework for filtering it themselves. Exposing your kids to ideas beyond popular culture is a great way to start. I'd love to hear what you're doing to short-circuit the silliness worship in your homes.