THE first thing adults should understand about children is that they really do not belong to their parents, well at least not in the same way that one would own a pair of shoes, a nice car or a house. Children are their own individual persons. Because they were brought into this world by their parents, those parents have a moral responsibility and duty towards them, but they are not solely theirs to do with whatsoever they may choose.
Children need the freedom to investigate, discover, explore and to be themselves, all this and more under the guidance and protection and with the positive inputs of parents. Parents who find the right balance in monitoring and supporting a child’s natural development while guiding and nurturing the child, do a great job.
Each child has his own mind, his own character, his good and ‘not-so- good’ ways,his own natural talents (or gifts) and his own personality. When parents understand that in each child there is a little ‘person’ who needs the correct nurturing in order to bloom, they can support their child with encouraging words, gestures of love, and by paying their child attention. When children feel security and love from their parents, they blossom and progress naturally. In turn, parents will learn more about their child as their child learns about the world. It is worth noting that the dynamics of this relationship is subject to change as the child enters different stages of growth.
The society we live in very seldom gives parents the flexibility to allow their child enough time and space to be themselves: to grow and learn in their own unique way, while being subtly guided by their parents. Children do not often get the opportunity to shine to their truest potential, unless they have parents who can manage to invest in their child’s ‘childhood experiences’ and put their child’s development on their list of priorities.
How a child perceives and learns about the world around him/her has a lot to do with the type of environment that parents provide for their child: And the environment stems from the mind-set of the parents. It doesn’t matter how poor a family may be or where they live, so long as they have love to share with their child and they are able to provide the basic necessities, food, clothes, hygiene, safety, shelter and love. Love and affection is an essential factor for childhood development in every environment.
Parents may have the nicest of things for their child and live in a big house in an affluent neighbourhood, but they could still fail to understand their child’s needs or give him/her the love, patience and attention that he/she needs. This is easily done in today’s society, where everyone feels compelled to keep up with the fast- moving pace of life and where social media is a constant (and in some cases even welcomed) distraction.
To get the best out of children, you must be prepared to put in time and effort, regardless of the age of the child. Children of all ages always need guidance, love, encouragement and dependable adults in their lives. Adults they can emulate and/or adults, who can inspire them into becoming balanced, well-rounded, accomplished citizens of Guyana.
If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or email childcaregy@gmail.com
A message from the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Social Protection