there is reason it's the opposite...folks dont want to see their kids flip their bikes, since kids overreact, so they teach them to use the rear brake.

The front brake if used right, is the best brake to use. Actually I dont even use my rear brake, unless it's wet outside, in that case I use both at once.

There are all sorts of things you will learn that are the opposite of what you were taught earlier in life, and it's all based on the application. Child riders are a different app...many don't have the confidence or skill to properly modulate a brake until years later, therefore they learn to use the rear primarily....once you get more skilled, then the front should be tuaght...sadly that lesson never seems to happen.

Either way, consider messing with the front in a open parking lot sometime. going stright, turning, even under acceleration, just to get the feel of it.