Teach your children well

We had an interesting letter this week from a resident complaining about the huge amount of litter in the street, specifically in and around a primary school.

Interesting is maybe not the right word, but a valid complaint it most certainly is. Apparently, when the complainant spoke to the principal of the school and asked what the school is teaching the learners in this regard, he was told that the children said they are not maids who have to pick up rubbish.

I am not implying that the children are the ones causing all the litter – it could just as easily be passing motorists, but it did make me think about most children’s upbringing.

Is it not the parent’s job to teach a child to respect others, to respect the environment, to help people in need and that if you want something, you have to work for it? And is it not the school’s job to educate that child to become a successful and dedicated employee or employer?

Too often I see parents bowing down to their little brats’ wishes, giving them whatever their little hearts desire and allowing them to be disrespectful. Some children don’t play outside any more, they don’t get dirty or get up to mischief (in a good way). They are glued to their computer, television or cellphone screens and don’t notice the wonderful things life has to offer.

When I was a child, I used to get hidings. I used to play outside. My generation had friends outside of our Facebook accounts, we looked older people in the eye and answered when we were spoken to. We said ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and we accepted the dreaded ‘no’ answer, and we were scolded if we dared to throw even the tiniest piece of paper out of the car window.

Things have certainly changed, haven’t they? And now, we’re stuck with a whole generation of narcissistic self-entitled adults.

These are only my thoughts, though. What’s your opinion?

Send your comments to roelienv@caxton.co.za

Until next week, take care of one another.

Ciao