The push to prepare our children for higher education and college admission could mean that stress rather than learning is the primary product of our educational system. Student: “Why do I need to learn this?” Teacher: “Because it will be on the test.” So goes the dialogue as grades rather than learning become the goal of education.  Teachers feel compelled to “teach to the test” while kids focus on doing whatever it takes to look good on a college application.The documentary film “The Race to Nowhere” was screened by 150 educators, parents and students Friday night at Anne Arundel Community …

 As soon as we are in relationship with either a sibling or a friend, we are taught to share.  We tell our children that it is kind and an act of friendship to offer others some of what we have, and to not be selfish.  This is often a hard lesson to learn; and even more difficult when we attempt to teach them that sharing should include strangers as well as friends or family members.  Children learn best when they can observe their parents and other adults “practicing what they preach.”  In Severna Park there are many opportunities for us to share resources with each other and the more we do …

Do You Have Any Questions?  Last week the Building Life column talked about a frequent disparity between how individuals may feel about themselves and what others believe about them based on their appearances.  Why do some people reach their goals but believe they are lucky rather than smart?  Why are some people successful and yet think they are frauds?  Your comments and e-mails suggested that, in some cases, these people are hesitant to ask for help, ask questions, because they do not want to confirm what they believe to be true: “I am not good/smart/successful...I just look that way.”  …

Looking Good.  Feeling Bad.  The dialogue about achievement and self-esteem is endless as parents, teachers and counselors seek to understand the relationship between accomplishment and self-worth.  Some will argue that setting high standards and reaching those goals is more important than how one feels about oneself; while others are adamant about the priority of good self-esteem over external success.  Which is more valuable, and are they mutually exclusive?  Does one affect the other and, if so, how?  A recent article in the Wall Street Journal has caused great debate about these matters …

Building Life (www.buildinglife.net) is the primary task of a healthy community.  It requires informed and cooperative leadership and participation.  This weekly column seeks to facilitate dialogue as it addresses issues for teens and families in the Severna Park and Broadneck communities.  Reader comments and suggestions will guide the selection of future topics and responses in this column. Building Life is a nonprofit organization that uses music and media to raise awareness and funding for areas throughout the United States that are in need of  mental health,  spiritual care outreach and …