Education happens everywhere, whether you want it to or not.

You cannot turn your child’s ears off when you let out a dirty word. You cannot cover their eyes every time something amoral happens on television.

And you cannot delete dishonest moves from their brains.

Little Jimmy is smart enough to know that he really does not live at grandmother’s house, even if that is what you told his school principal. He may not say anything, but Jimmy just learned a lesson — it is OK to fib to get what you want.

This type of fibbing has been going on for decades in area school districts, particularly in Concordia Parish. Parents who live in neighboring districts or parishes register their students under fake address, a friend’s address or one of a family member so the child can go to the school of the parent’s choice. Their intentions may be pure, but the actions are dishonest.

The end result is trouble for the school district, financially and legally.

Whatever the reason, the rules are the rules. If we expect our children to follow our rules — clean your room, don’t talk back — we must lead by example.

The parish schools are making a concerted effort to clean up the problem. Any student entering a new school must show proof of residency. But we know this residency is still fairly easy to fake.

It’s time, though, that the adults started teaching the right lesson.