Yesterday was Children's Day and I was thinking about it.. What IS Children's Day all about and what did we adults do to make it special for the children in our lives?
We have become excessively casual about celebrating everything and take Children's Day and children completely for granted! Am talking about the majority of people here.. not anyone specific!
Consumerism has consumed us to the point where we have practically lost our common sense.. Christmas is all about going to "meet" Santa Clause and getting presents.. how many children are ever even told the real story of Christmas?
Festivals and "special" days are largely celebrated superficially at the ubiquitous local MALL where we accept and "make do" with whatever nonsense is available.. simply because it's just too much trouble to do it all from scratch at home!
Am just sharing my thoughts on Children's Day here.. it should be a day that is all about THEM.. where children are the stars.. THEY get to CHOOSE.. to feel important and special.. to be HEARD.. to be asked what THEY like and what THEY want..
As adults we are in a hurry to have children and "jump into" parenthood completely unprepared and not knowing it's going to be either "sink or swim"! Children are individuals.. and distinct personalities.. and need to be respected and treated as such! They are children so don't talk to them and treat them like mini adults.. simply because they AREN'T!
If our children are to blossom and grow to their full potential.. we as adults need to ensure that we allow them the pure and simple joy of a REAL childhood and encourage curiosity exploration experimenting discovering and "doing" on their own (without us "taking over" because it's so much neater easier and quicker)!
We need to give them the magic of acceptance instead of keeping them on "leash" and trying to control their every thought word and action! We need to ACTIVELY invest TIME doing things with them.. whether it's a walk in the park talking about nature or looking at trees.. sorting seeds.. playing with blocks or even just tidying up after play..
We need to allow children to BE.. to create chaos.. play mischief.. to run around in circles until they get giddy.. to do what comes naturally and instinctively without the constant "let me show you how to"! We need to sacrifice our ego and dignity and allow ourselves to be ourspoken spontaneous silly and FUN when we are with them!
Discipline must be preserved but with minimal rules that are consistently upheld and breaches to be dealt with gently after a few "warnings".. They should never be the "innocent victims" of our bad days (just because they can't retaliate)!
Childhood is a magical time and we should honour it by respecting our children's intellligence rather than flaunting our own.. trusting them to make the right choices (with gentle guidance occasionally) and most of all.. with consistent behaviour!
We have to STOP putting our children "on the spot" by asking them stupid and stressful questions like "Who do you love more.. Daddy or Mummy" (how traumatic is this) and "Are you a good girl or a naughty boy" (please approve or disapprove of the action and not the person)!
Along with all this.. do remember to keep the "inner child" in you ALIVE.. Keep your sense of wonder.. laugh out loud.. see the little miracles around you.. celebrate your big and small achievements and most of all.. stay HAPPY and be spontaneous! If you can do that.. every day will be a happy Children's Day!
Thank you (as always) for reading and do remember to share your name at the beginning or end of your comment (should you choose to write one)!
We always keep alive inner child alive . It's true ma'am
ReplyDeleteWow so well written honestly agree with your thoughts thx for sharing
ReplyDeleteLovely article ….a real eye opener for parents and us ( grandparents) as well
ReplyDeleteVery accurate insights..we see so often that most people cannot overcome the damage of their childhood even as adults. Two things to nurture.... children & the planet. If that happens we will have a different world.
ReplyDeleteYes childhood is a magical time.. Yes I hope young parents understand this and let off the leash..ulupi
ReplyDeleteI think the reason you are such an incredible soul, Pallu Masi, can be found in this blog post. It tells me your childhood was colorful, possibly challenging, but also filled with so much love and a true understanding of what it meant to be a child. Your upbringing speaks volumes of your beautiful character, and I truly appreciate your understanding of children and how they should be approached and treated. Having been a teacher, your understanding of them surpasses most of of ours and it's wonderful to read such a refreshing take on children and childhood. I am forever grateful for your wisdom, your love, these blog posts, and having you in my life.
ReplyDeleteAll my love,
SK
Pallu, this one made me smile, nod, and then smile again!
ReplyDeleteI’m all for letting kids make a mess. As an uncle, I can confirm the mess is cleaned up in an hour, but the joy stays for years. I happily volunteer as the official run-in-circles-till-giddy partner, and I’m proud to say I can still outlast the kids! 😄
I’ve also been lucky to see the other side of what you’re saying. In our home, festivals like Diwali, New Year and Avani Avittam were never just “executed.” We were encouraged to ask questions and understand the meaning behind them. Today I see that curiosity bloom in my niece, who has grown quite spiritual. And in my grand niece, who at 10 has already written a book, The Tales of Max Mystico! So yes, when children are heard and trusted, magic happens.
Thank you for reminding us to keep our inner child alive. Mine is reading this with a big grin!
— Vishi
Somehow with over the top extravaganza for most festivals, Children's Day seems to be muted in comparison. Don't know whether it is for political reasons.
ReplyDeleteBut earlier there were special shows for kids at the cinema, other events totally child centric. Nothing like that now.
We seniors seem to be exchanging more whatsapp messages to keep the inner child alive !!!
Navaz