Parents or mentors of such children make the child feel worthwhile and valued. They exhibit competence that children can emulate, and provide guidance and constructive feedback about the child's progress. In addition, they provide information and experiences that build children's competence and confidence. In some areas, the stabilizing influences of religious and social institutions have also declined. Unfortunately, educators have little impact outside the school on early childhood development and character formation.
Urban educators face still greater challenges.
Their schools are typically large and often serve poor and highly mobile families, making it difficult to reach out to families and communities. First, the educational practices shown to be most efficacious in raising achievement can be employed to help students succeed not only in school, but also in learning the habits and skills that make for success in life. Second, educators can work with others to enhance conditions in families and communities that foster psychological well-being. Resilience and Competence Only about one child in four born of alcoholic parents becomes an alcoholic. Researchers have identified several key competencies of resilient children.