Q: I’ve always had an interest in creative writing, primarily because I had a teacher who encouraged me to express myself and gave me the skills to do it. My kids, however, have not had that exposure. The school system just doesn’t teach writing skills anymore. How did you come to be a writer, and how might I give my children a nudge in that direction?

A: It is true that writing skills are seldom taught today. That was evident a while back when I was considering hiring a Ph.D. candidate from a large university. I called her major professor for a recommendation. He spoke highly of this woman and said he was sure she would do a good job for me. I then asked if she was an adequate writer. He said: “Are you kidding? None of my students have strong writing skills. Young people don’t learn to put their thoughts on paper these days.” He was right!

It hasn’t always been that way. I remember diagramming sentences and learning parts of speech when I was in elementary school. It was a major part of the curriculum. Also, my parents encouraged and helped me to grow in this area. I wrote a letter to a friend when I was 9 years old. My mother then suggested that we read it together. I had written, “Dear Tom, how are you? I am just fine.” My mom asked me if I thought that sounded a little boring. She said, “You haven’t said anything. You used a few words, but they have no meaning.” I never wrote that phrase again, although that is the typical way a child begins a letter.

Looking back, I can see how, even at an early age, my mother was teaching me to write. In addition, I was also fortunate to have a few English teachers who were determined to teach me the fundamentals of composition. I had one in high school and another in college who insisted that I learn grammar and composition. They nearly beat me to death, but I’m glad they did. I earn a living today, at least in part, with the skills they taught me. I would especially like to say “thanks” to Dr. Ed Harwood. His classes were like Marine boot camp, but what I learned there was priceless.

It’s not terribly difficult or time-consuming to encourage and teach kids some of the basics of grammar and composition. One approach is to ask a family member to correspond with your child and encourage him or her to write back. Then when the reply is written, sprinkle a few corrections, such as the one my mother offered, with a generous portion of praise. Finally, entice that youngster to engage in a little creative expression. As for what you can do to compensate for the de-emphasis on writing in school, I really don’t know – except to seek instruction outside the classroom.

The teaching of writing has gone out of style – much like the old “homemaking” classes for girls. But it is an incredibly valuable craft that can be used in a wide variety of settings. Don’t let your children grow up without developing it.

Q: If punishment is never indicated for an infant, what form of discipline is appropriate at that age?

A: The answer is loving leadership. Parents should have the courage to do what is right for their babies, even if they protest vigorously. Dr. Bill Slonecker, a pediatrician and good friend, has stressed the importance of parents taking charge right from the day of birth. Too often he has seen mothers in his private practice who were afraid of their infants. They would call his office and frantically huff, “My 6-month-old baby is crying and seems very hot.” The doctor would ask if the child had a fever, to which Mom would reply: “I don’t know. He won’t let me take his temperature.” These mothers had already yielded their authority to their infants. Some never regain it.

Good parenting and loving leadership go hand in hand. And it should begin on Day One.