Educating our children

This topic may seem a little bit far-fetched from the viewpoint of a student, but knowledge in this topic is crucial not only in the future, but also for the present.

I got inspiration for this topic from my parents. Apparently from what I have observed, parents love to use their own life experiences and somehow instilling it in us, desperately trying to make us a copy of them. How many of you have faced canning by your parents? I believe there is a good number of us who have that kind of experience. I got curious on why parents love the rod so much that they use it so often to solve problems when we are being taught that violence is not the solution to all problems. Finally, I found the reason. Our parents were canned by our grandparents, which actually was one of the most effective discipline methods during that time. So, they think that it also works for us.

However, they neglected one very important thing, time. As time progresses on in our life, we get exposed to different things which contributes to the building of our thoughts and feelings. Like right now, if my parents still use canning as punishment for me, I would feel that they are very unreasonable. I am a teenager. I have my own pride, thinking etc. If you choose to use the rod on me, the consequences would be dire. I might turn even more rebellious. I am not a kid who just obey and succumb to the use of the cane everytime. I also want to voice my thoughts and exercise my freedom of speech. I am not lamenting on my parents, but just offering parents the thoughts of a teen.

Have you ever feel that your parents are trying to make everything in your life seem so perfect and prepared? Then later, you discover that is not the kind of life u want. I really dislike the fact that sometimes parents plan out your entire life but you do not like it and you are scared to tell them. I had that experience before. My parents tried making me a sports kid. But when they discovered that I had no talent at all, I could tell they were disappointed. I made my dad disappointed for a second time when I decided to quit NCC.

I did not take after my dad, who was out-going,enthusiastic etc. Instead, I got his height. You may feel that all of these are irrelevant. But, I feel that parents should not interfere with their children's life. Instead they should be their guiding light, giving them the correct advice etc to experience going on a journey to discover who you really want to be. Let them make their own decisions and experience what it feels like in discovering themselves. I feel that it would definitely be more meaningful for both the child and the parent.

Parents, you may think that I am questioning your ability to discipline and educate your children. On the other hand, I feel that you all should take this opportunity to reflect on your ways. Making changes can lead to good results in children's lives like in forms of thinking and perspective.