There is a WhatsApp group created by parents in my son's Technical school. The principal advice that parents should form a group where complaints about any irregularities could be shared. Selected parents serving as PTF ( Parents Teachers Forum) executives would then present those concerns to the school authority. Yes it was a good idea, because that platform would straighten communication between parents and Teachers.
Ever since that group was formed, it has gradually turned into something else. Instead of straightening communication between parents and teachers, it has become a war zone of constant complaints, every day, every minute, what you will keep reading is, this teacher disciplined my child, that teacher did this or that, endless accusations and anger. In fact reading through all those complaints gives me headache, that's why I don't always visit the group.
Yesterday night I decided to open the group because it has been a while. The first massage I saw was a parent angrily lamenting that a teacher disciplined her child because the child forgot her books at home. She was even calling the teacher names. To be sincere, I was shocked. I asked myself, how? I even read out the complaint to my husband who was sitting beside me, he was as shocked as I was. I asked myself, if a child goes to school without books, what exactly did he or she go there to do? They have time table that indicates the subjects they will study each day, and the books they will take to school each day, they have their practical day and that day is not their practical day. So if the child is the serious type, he or she shouldn't have forgotten his or her books at home. And as a parent, you are upset because your child was corrected for not being prepared?.
No wonder, many parents treat their children like kings and princesses at home, they allow their house helps to do all the chores, in trying to protect their children from responsibility, little did they know that they are raising entitled individuals, while unknowingly training the house helps to become more Responsible and independent adults.
Hmmmm, I began to wonder, who truly are our neighbours? With the little knowledge I have, I know that neighbours are not only the people who live in the same compound or Street with us. Our neighbours are people we interact with on a daily basis, those who share responsibilities, spaces, and even the upbringing of our children. So our neighbours are those around us, be it at school, at home, or work.
Teachers are our neighbours, and should not be talked down to simply because they are enforcing discipline. These teachers are the same people who dedicate their time and effort to guide, teach, and help shape our children, why should they be ill treated?. At the same time, I am not saying that a teacher should treat a child harshly. Discipline, should never be wickedness, discipline when apply with love, and genuine concern, produces good results.
The Bible says, "spare the rod and spoil the child," it's reminding us that correction is an important part of training a child and the "rod" here represents guidance, accountability and boundaries. Our main focus as parents, should be raising our children properly, teaching them respect, humility and responsibility. Parents should always remember that raising a child is not a one person's job, it is a community efforts.
Our relationship with our children's teachers should be with respect, mutual understanding and cooperation. There's this saying that "it is cooperation that made rice to fill the pot." One grain of rice cannot fill a pot by itself, but together, they make a complete meal. In the same way, raising a child requires cooperation between parents and teachers. When we work together instead of fighting one another, we create a better environment for our children to grow, learn, and become responsible adult.
Just as a single grain cannot fill a pot, no single parent, teacher, or guardian can raise a child alone.
Thank you for stopping by my blog. This is cross culture prompt CultureQ#2, what is your relationship with your neighbours? I thank you for reading through.