In a recent Science Talent Search, 33 out of 40 finalists were children of immigrants. This is not unusual. The success of children of immigrants is becoming more and more apparent.

Leonard Sax, a family physician, recently authored an article published by the Institute for Family Studies. In this article, Sax notes that this same trend can be seen in the recent Scripps Spelling Bee and other high-profile competitions. The children of immigrants are quickly rising to the top.

“This is a big deal,” Sax writes, “because it’s a recent development. Traditionally, children of immigrants were more likely to struggle,.” Sax explains how, during his own doctorate training, he was taught that “immigrant status was a predictor of bad outcomes for children.” But, this is no longer true.

Sax believes there are three characteristics of immigrant families that lead to children succeeding at a greater rate than their nonimmigrant counterparts. They are:

1. Stronger families due to fewer instances of divorce and single parenthood, as well as better support systems through extended relatives.

2. Less immersion in the American “culture of disrespect,” where children frequently dismiss their parents and their ideas.

3. Fewer incidents of “permissive parenting,” through which the children and not the parents end up leading the families.

Annie Holmquist, in an article she wrote for IntellectualTakeOut.com entitled “Raising a Strong Family Requires a Strong Vision,” reviews Sax’s points, but believes a fourth point should be weighed in. She believes that immigrant families are more likely to offer their children “vision”.

She bases her opinion on a book written by the late author and professor Allan Bloom entitled, “The Closing of the American Mind.” In it, Bloom notes the purpose of family is to form civilized human beings. This is done through conveying to the next generation morality, knowledge, ritual and tradition. Holmquist observes, “Many of today’s parents, raised in an America fast embracing relativism and rejecting religion, have never learned the knowledge of the past, or had stable families with traditions and rituals that they can pass along to their own children. Immigrant families, however, often bring with them the knowledge, rituals, and traditions of their home country. Some immigrant groups are also profoundly religious, and therefore have a code of morality in place. In essence, they have a vision and a worldview to pass along to their children. Many Americans do not.”

So, how do Americans reclaim this sense of vision for their children? Holmquist believes it is through “returning to the old paths. Take your children to church. Read Scripture and other books with them, making sure parents and children learn together. Make traditions and create family rituals.” She notes that your kids might roll their eyes at this, but deep down, “they would be devastated if their family habits and patterns disappeared.”

Scripture conveys all of these premises for raising children. But each generation must relearn them. Here are a few verses from Scripture that place emphasis on how to raise wise children (all verses from the New Living Translation):

Proverbs 22:6 “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 “These words I am commanding you today must be kept in mind, and you must teach them to your children and speak of them as you sit in your house, as you walk along the road, as you lie down, and as you get up.”

Ephesians 6:1-4 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

2 Timothy 3:15-16 “You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”

Proverbs 12:1 “The one who loves discipline loves knowledge, but the one who hates reproof is stupid.”

Search the Scriptures and they will teach you the wisdom you need in all areas, including child rearing. As the authors point out, the God-loving home provides the best nest for raising wise children. Billy Graham summarized it well:

“The family should be a closely-knit group. The home should be a self-contained shelter of security; a kind of school where life’s basic lessons are taught; and a kind of church where God is honored; a place where wholesome recreation and simple pleasures are enjoyed.” ~ Billy Graham