Parents who participate in the family education program have an opportunity to graduate with a Hyde Parent Diploma on the morning of their child’s commencement.

At Hyde, we consciously seek to offer character-forming experiences so that our students and parents can work together for personal and family growth.  The academic year concludes with a poignant graduation ceremony where each graduate speaks for two minutes as their family stands in the audience.  A few years ago we sensed that we lacked an opportunity for formal closure for the work our parents had done in our Family Education Program.  So we began to offer a breakfast ceremony on graduation morning where parents who had completed the family education program received their own diplomas.  Rather than having the parents speak, we read a brief citation that their children, the graduating seniors, have written in their honor.  The following examples were read at a recent graduation:

“Mom—As I have grown, I have been able to learn from your work ethic.  You have expressed your distaste for paperwork required with your job, but you have also shared your perseverance and persistence.  You have shown me how a hard work ethic can open doors in life.  You taught me that if I have to do a job, I might as well do it to excellence, even if it is paper work!  Now, as you step back and let me take control of my life, you have motivated me to continue working hard at whatever is put in front of me.”

“Dad—Your humility and ability to ask for help is so inspiring.  Talking with you about your struggles with self-confidence has allowed us to relate on a new level.  Spring Family Weekend you spoke about your MS and your desire to find a way to begin hiking again.  I cannot wait to share that experience with you.”

“ Mom—I am so inspired by your personal growth during our time in the family program.  You never excused yourself from self-exploration and the changes you have made show me what’s possible when you believe in yourself.  You have displayed how to let go of fear, especially with the next phase of your life.  Good luck!  I know you will do great things.”

“Dad—Though it has taken some time, revealing your emotion has moved our whole family forward.  You have paved the way for me to do the same and I don’t think I would be where I am now without that influence.  I admire your genuine concern, conscience, and understanding.  I never thought I would say this, but I have really enjoyed your presence in my life these past two years.”

As these statements indicate, our kids are inspired when they observe us striving to improve our own character.  They are inspired less by our accomplishments and more by our own efforts to face the unknown in ourselves.  They are moved when we tackle a personal challenge with an uncertain outcome, and when we strive to better ourselves as people.

Parents are the primary teachers and the home is the primary classroom.

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