Kids are like clay!

Yes, ‘Kids are like clay’! If you think that today’s children are irresponsible, careless, lack etiquette, not very sensible, then, pause and re-think after reading this post. Do not rush into a prejudiced conclusion, yet.

We know that children are keen observers of their surroundings and actions of people, especially of their parents.

I remember, when my son used to often fall sick and sometimes when he used to vomit and see me cleaning up the mess – he would immediately apologize for troubling me and thank me! THIS at the tender age of 2, because he had seen his parents using these Courtesy Words in their interactions. Now, please do not think that I am boasting about our parenting or trying to be preachy. 

The point I am trying to drive home is that- most of us in our day to day hustle-bustle have forgotten to use the ‘Courtesy Words’ with strangers, helpers and family members and the same attitude spill down to the Gen-Next!

I have been working as a lecturer for a couple of years now. Been a housewife for a decade before this, partly owing to the weird postings of my husband and partly to bring up my child. Hence, I take immense pride for having brought up my son – without any assistance from helpers and sans help from family members most of the time. My parents have been a pillar of support in bringing up my son by being present virtually over the phone. My husband has time on hand only in recent times, to take a keen interest in my son’s upbringing. And I have realized that we as parents have been a great influence on the kiddo. This holds good for all the lovely children out there who have every right to learn the Moral Values and Etiquette.

I am fortunate to be interacting with some brilliant minds at work- I am talking about ‘KIDS’ here. Some children behave courteously while others don’t. I try to specially interact with the parents of the kids who are discourteous, just to infer, if the child’s behaviour could be blamed upon their upbringing! In 9 out of 10 cases, I have been proved right – the parents are themselves discourteous and rude in their speech.

Role of Parents

When parents themselves are argumentative, impolite and discourteous then how can they expect their children to display good behaviour! So, we ought to set an example to the kids for them to emulate us as- ‘Kids are like Clay’ and they could be moulded as per our desire. As parents, we cannot completely put the onus on the teachers. Because most of the classrooms at schools are burgeoning with excess students. Say, if a class has got 45 students and each class-period is of 45 mins (hypothetically) then it is nearly impossible to even spare a minute for a child by every teacher. Though, I am sure that many teachers try their best to spare time!

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Role of Teachers

On the other hand, teachers too need to spare a thought on their conduct in schools. I have come across teachers who themselves are so impolite in their behaviour. They come across as discourteous in their interpersonal relationships with both co-teachers and students. Some of them, just barge into classrooms sans a knock or a polite request of  ‘May I come in?’. Thankfully, this number is very minuscule.

Hence, it is the collective responsibility of the parents, teachers and family members alike, to practise ‘courtesy and mindfulness’ in their interpersonal relationships and interactions as well. Be generous in the usage of ‘Thank You’, ‘Please’, ‘Welcome’, ‘I am sorry’ etc.. Use them often with each other, with public workers, with helpers at home and work, and then observe the change around you and in your children.

In conclusion, I request the parents and the teachers to set an example to the children by inculcating good habits and moral values, using the above ‘Courtesy Words’ often in everyday interactions, so that we can mould the Gen-Next to be better citizens of the World.