We live a life of many conveniences. So many things are done for us, or automated. Between drive-throughs and one stop shopping, we no longer understand how things are made or done. If the expression, "knowledge is power" is true, then we no longer value power or knowledge. We don't want to know how things are made. As long as our gadgets work we are happy to be ignorant on how they work. We don't care what continent the shelf item came from, as long as it's cheap and readily available. We are creating a society that is totally dependent on someone else for food, transportation, household appliances, and life in general.
The question is, does leaning on all these conveniences the best way to prepare you child for life? Why wouldn't you teach your children how to cook their own food? Believe it or not, I've had parents tell me that teaching cooking to their children was not important, because food is readily available. So I guess since there are dry cleaners, you don't have to teach kids how to wash clothes. Since there are mechanic shops, you don't need to check the fluids in your car? Without teaching kids the way things work all you are doing is creating users. You are not enabling your kid to be self sufficient. We all want to protect our kids but sometimes you have to push them into the fire so they can get some real world experience. There are so many opportunities passed up it really scary. Simply open the hood of your car and teach your kid a few basics. Or teach them to make a cake at home instead of buying one at the store. Something as simple as cutting grass will teach them that things don't just get done without work and effort.
If children are our future why not teach them how things work from the ground up. We all want the best life for our kids, but making their life easy in the short run will lead to a harder life in the long run. Being totally dependent on others for the simplest things in life should not be the goal of parenting. Teaching kids the "hard" way may not make you the most popular parent but it will make you the most successful.
Great points. In fact, this is perhaps top three in best parenting skills, in my opinion. Let your children do things for themselves in all respects, and from as young as possible. You are so right! Many parents don't have the patience or understanding to let their children do things for themselves like helping with the dinner or washing the clothes, as you mention. It is so sad when I witness parents answering for their children. I try to talk directly to young children and give them plenty of time to answer, so when the parent answers for them it is a hugh red flag of a child who will grow up with no initiative of their own. So important really. Thanks.
ReplyDeletewell said! The kids must understand that hard work is the way to success and depending upon others without yourself pushing is not the correct way.
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