Sunday, April 11, 2010

Children

Sunday, 11 April 2010 @ 9.27pm

I feel sorry for children who are forced to grow up faster than they should. Sorry that they get mocked for liking things that may be deemed 'childish'. Sorry that they get laughed at when they're doing something they truly enjoy. Sorry that they're being called stupid and idiot and other names that they shouldn't even know yet, let alone be called.

I remember when I was a hormonal 17-year-old. I couldn't control my emotions and I couldn't help some of the things I did or said. There was one particular thing about that age that I remember though. It was during the time of month where I really should have been locked up in a room for at least a week. I asked someone why kids are so stupid, why they don't know anything and why they're always asking questions. This person laughed and agreed. Did I mention that this person is older and should have known better? This person should have set an example or taught me children don't know anything and are always asking questions. Did I also mention that I have since lost all respect as I grew and realised and learned?

Children are not stupid. They don't know anything because they're learning. And as adults, we should be the ones who guide, teach, nurture and love them. It's our responsibility to protect them and to treat them as children. We should not be exposing them to people or things who are toxic to their development. Adults who claim to be grown up and mature are actually the ones robbing them of their childhood.

It's a pity when you see adults who should be the responsible ones are actually the ones who are acting more like a child then the child itself. It's worse when you see the children try and be as grown up as they can, but when you actually look at them, you see that they don't really understand what is going on. They're just playing along to please the adults. If they don't, they get teased mercilessly and there's no one there to defend them.

What I've learnt from this is to stay away. And to one day keep my own children from people who will be toxic to their health. I want my children to have a childhood. I want them to play, learn and live like a child. Like I did. I don't want them to feel like they have to act like something they're not. Or that they have to behave a certain way just to be accepted. Especially with their own families.

Treat children like children. Don't laugh at them when they ask something. Especially not when they make a mistake. Because if you do, the next time something happens to them, you'll be the last person they turn to.

5 comments:

Ms Martha Moore said...

It is a real shame that children of this era has to go through this. Once they have grown up, they'll realize what they missed in the past, one of those crucial moments of becoming adults...

but what can we say or do... everyone wants they children to get older faster, smarter than others,and everything along the line...

sigh

rellock

Timothy Webster said...

Too bad most people assume adults are "smart." Experience teaches many people nothing: they refuse to learn. Childlike wonder is an incredible thing, and I like to think I still have it at 25. The world is so much more interesting through the eyes of the young.

Annie D said...

well said.

AliN said...

It is strong. Thanks for this.

Alan said...

I couldn't agree more. Thank you, and God bless you.