A week spent in the company of
toddlers helps a person make a few unbiased but pointed observations. Having
watched 4 babies under 3 years in the group, I got to observe 4 extremely
different parenting styles. Two mums constantly hover around their kids to an extent where the
kids didn’t run, jump, wade even in the kiddie pool without the mum holding
them by the collar. One of the babies who is paranoid of his own shadow already
and was taking turns and pointing out a 1mm scar from a fall 6 months earlier.
Both these children already seem to be socially awkward, are not confident and constantly
look for direction.
One kid is already addicted to a
screen at 3 years of age. He wants his fathers phone, uses the word “bored” and asks for
the TV or the laptop to watch all those nonsensical online kids channels.
The other mum on the other hand seems
to have taken an approach which is something I totally intend on aping if I
ever am blessed with babies – she keeps an eye at her baby at all times , is
always at hand BUT DOES NOT HOVER. This child is friendly with everyone,
observes the world with big beautiful eyes, picks up ants, runs after ducks and
already exhibits traits like independence and confidence.
This toddler does not know how to
operate a phone, does not have access to television nor has ever been plonked
in front of a laptop. EVER. As an older relative expressed shock at this revelation –
my cousin (who is the mum in question) promptly replied – “I didn’t watch Cable
TV till when I was 13, use a computer till when I was 18 nor owned an iPhone till the age of 30. I still turned out to be extremely well spoken – well read
and well educated”.
I had to do research if only I saw the pattern and then I came across this 2007 TED Talk by GEVER
TULLY titled "5 Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Children Do" and it has affirmed what I understood from my observations.
As I watched this video I realised
that I had done every single one of the things he listed - and then some. Isn’t it true that running , jumping, falling
and getting hurt, even climbing a tree teaches a baby necessary life skills that it need but will
not develop if they are not allowed to explore the world and find out for
themselves.
Would any parent want that at the cost
of a few bumps, cuts and bruises. Afterall, if I’ve heard right – lessons are
leant the hard way.
No comments:
Post a Comment