It's Easier to Build Strong Children Than Repair Broken Men

Hey there, friends and neighbors! Jim Malliard here from my little patch of Western Pennsylvania.

There's this quote by Frederick Douglass that hit me like a ton of bricks recently: "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."

Let that sink in for a minute.

As a dad of two amazing kids, these words stick with me daily as I navigate the ups and downs of raising children in our rural community. The truth is, we're not just raising kids – we're building the future, one child at a time.

The Rural Dad Challenge

Living out here has its perks – fresh air, tight-knit community, knowing your neighbors – but it comes with challenges too. Our school district covers five townships, the nearest pediatrician is 45 minutes away, and getting to after-school activities can feel like planning a military operation.

But here's what I've learned: these challenges can make us stronger parents if we let them.

Last month, when a local district announced budget cuts to the arts program, a group of us parents didn't just complain on Facebook. They showed up at the school board meeting, shared kids' stories, and worked with teachers to find creative solutions. Two weeks later, the superintendent called to say they'd found additional funding to keep the program running.

That's the power of parent advocacy. That's how we build strong children.

What Does "Building Strong" Really Mean?

Building strong children isn't just about making sure they eat their veggies and do their homework. It's about:

• Showing up – at the dinner table, at their games, at school meetings

• Listening – to their hopes, fears, and wild ideas

• Speaking up – when systems aren't working for them

• Teaching resilience – helping them learn from setbacks

My neighbor Tom's son was struggling with reading. Instead of accepting the "he'll catch up eventually" response, Tom pushed for testing, discovered his son had dyslexia, and worked with the school to get proper support. Today, that boy is reading above grade level and loves books.

That's building strong.

The Question We Need to Ask

Are we truly preparing our children for the future?

I ask myself this daily as I watch my kids grow up in a world so different from the one I knew. The jobs they'll have might not even exist yet. The challenges they'll face – from climate change to technology – will require skills we're only beginning to understand.

That's why I started getting more involved in our local education system. Not because I have all the answers (trust me, I don't), but because I believe parents need to be part of the conversation about what and how our kids learn.

Your Call to Action

So here's my challenge to you, especially you dads out there: Get involved. And I don't mean just showing up at parent-teacher conferences (though that's important too).

I mean:

• Ask questions about what your kids are learning

• Volunteer at school, even if it's just once a month

• Join the PTA or school board meetings

• Talk to other parents and share resources

• Advocate for what your child needs to thrive

Remember what Frederick Douglass said. We're not just raising kids – we're building the foundation for the adults they'll become. And that work starts now, with us.

Before I sign off, here's a little dad humor to brighten your day: What do you call a fake noodle? An impasta! (My kids groaned at that one too.)

Share your thoughts in the comments.

How are you building strong children in your community?

What challenges do you face as a rural parent?

Let's learn from each other.