Wonderful post by the way.
There are still some of us who have managed to bring up our children to have the qualities you outlined. Proper socialization is key--be the good example, but a parent now also needs to be able to discuss the endless bad examples children see and hear each and every day--making the job of parenting harder than it should be, thanks to emboldened intolerance and bigotry. We can't even drive down the street without seeing someone next to a parked truck covered in scary signs claiming babies are being murdered by democrats and we have to save our country from fags and illegals--capped off with Jesus is king or something similar--so many variations--even in the check-out lines of our stores are filled with outspoken disgruntled people who cannot tolerate someone in the line speaking a language other than English.
We live in a diverse country and world. Children should be taught about other cultures in our schools beginning right at Kindergarten. Mentions of religion should include all the major beliefs in the world and point out the rich mythological features and stories that are often similar. The reason for a separation of church and state should be made clear as children are taught civics and have been taught of a diverse world and history.
Needless to say--there is much to teach our kids. My hat is off to parents who stand up for ethics, virtue, and reason each and every day. It is a battle.
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