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Parents
and Teachers
Should Guide Aimless Kids
by
: D. Chandramouli
Youth is an
expression of joy—how come it is degenerating into an expression of
violence? I’m referring to the student brawls that are now frequent
in Jakarta.
This is a
law-and-order problem. However, it may be worthwhile to study the
background and mental make-up of the students who perpetrate these
violent acts. If we consider this matter deeply, it is clearly a
sociological problem. As a wise man said, society prepares the
criminal and the criminal commits the crime. In this case, it is
parents and teachers who should share the blame for students’
behavior.
First of all, are
parents creating a happy home for children? Parents may feel their
responsibility ends with providing for the basic needs for their
children. But let’s remember children look to us for emotional
support and encouragement.
We should spend some
time with our children at the end of each working day. If we don’t,
how can we understand their ambitions, aspirations and moods? If
children feel neglected, they may become wild.
Parents should show
enthusiasm for the things the kids have accomplished at school. The
children should get a feeling that their parents are partners with
whom they may converse freely. In short, parents must build a rapport
with their children.
Let’s take up
children’s education. Moral behavior is a product of humane
education. Children spend the best part of their day in school. Every
teacher should realize that he or she is preparing the future citizens
of the country. Good teachers make good pupils. Teachers should have
high ideals. See how Bahasa Indonesia put teachers on a pedestal,
calling them "Guru". "Guru" in English means:
spiritual teacher.
Selection of teachers
is also a critical factor. Teachers must be paid enough. The
government has a decisive role to play in this respect. If teachers
can’t make ends meet, what motivation do they have to develop good
students? Children are the wealth of a nation. This wealth can be
created only by investing in dedicated teachers.
Moral education
should be a compulsory subject in schools across the country.
Courtesy, love, kindness, friendliness and sharing, fairness,
compassion for the poor, respect for elders, tolerance of others’
views and such other topics should be taught in class.
Our youth is aimless.
They need a guiding compass so that they can determine their course
wisely. Are not parents and teachers best suited for this task? We
shall fervently hope that they rise to the occasion – the future
well being of society hinges on understanding of their respective
roles.
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