Encouragement : Parent's Role in Educating Their Children

Actually, this topic is one of a very sensitive topic to discuss yet also one of the causes of various problems in our country, nowadays. When we crossed in front of a school, what we see is a lot of students, not all of them, but some of them do things that they should not do, such as hanging out in front of the gate at the time they should not, dating, motor racing, even fighting each other that has victimized many students. What we are witnessing is not something new but it has happened since a long time ago. This situation is a result of the lack of students' awareness and the lack of moral education they get, either from school or from their parents.

Despite their lack of awareness can lead to things mentioned above, there is one factor that plays a crucial role in this case, the education provided by their parents. The condition of children in the future depends on how the parents providing education and guidance to them. Therefore, we can not underestimate parents' role in this case.

Parents are their children's first teachers. It is from parents that children learn about their culture, certain values, gain language acquisition, and so forth. Parents play a very valuable role in their children's education: in and out of the classroom. Because of the reason, parents need to take on the challenge and provide their children the tools they will need in order to be successful in school and life. Education does not only involve knowing the content areas in school. Education involves learning how to be a productive member of society, it involves how to behave in social settings, it involves learning how to figure everyday problems, and so much more. By talking to their children, parents can help them increase their vocabulary, they help their children in their receptive and expressive language, and they help their children feel empowered. Also, parents that talk with their children build lasting. positive, and strong relationships.

Sadly, as my experience observing (FYI, I'm a great observer but I've got a friend that exceeds my ability in observing, it's Ruslan Letal, LOL) today's home education, many parents send their children to school and leave them to their school teachers while they deal with their own business. They don't even take a look their children after coming home. But, when their children make mistakes, parents blame their school teachers and the education system. What about their children? Yes, parents will absolutely scold or even punish them. Of course, these kinds of parents' education will only make their children afraid and even despair. As a result, they, the children, start looking for another environtment that can give them supports. Lucky for the parents if their children find appropriate spheres to live, but if they don't? I remember when I got expelled by my father. At the time, I was still in Junior High School. I ran away from home for 3 months and grooving with my friends. Fortunately, I realized something back then that my life didn't depend on the environtment, I created my own path. That was what I thought. This gives lessons that a strong discouragement can lead us to something worse. But if you get through it, you will become stronger. (Do I sound like a coach? lol) 

Worse, I often witness parents that don't give any appreciations to their children about their interest just because their children's interest is not related to their field of education or job. Most of parents, then, even force their children to follow their way. Pursuing the same interest with them. Now, think about it. Do you really like to do something you are not interested to? I bet you don't. So why forcing them? It would be better if parents give their children encouragement on their interests because by doing this, they will enhance ther ability. In this occasion, I want to recommend an inspiring movie titled "I Not Stupid Too". This movie tells us the effect of miseducating by parents to their children. 

Let me cite some narration from that movie :

Everyone has the key within them. When we were young, there was plenty of encouragement and praises to help us overcome our obstacles. We never realized how lucky we were then. Somewhere along the way, the praises and encouragement changed as we grew up. Everyone gradually shuts themselves out. Give more encouragement and compliments. See one's virtues. Is it that difficult? Everyone needs encouragement. But why do we often hesitate to shower compliments? In every child, there's an angel and a devil. Seek out the angel, and the best qualities will surface. There's much truth in the saying, "Resources used wrongly will become waste, Waste used correctly can become resources." With appreciation, a miracle happened. From this, we learn that appreciation is a powerful force. This powerful force may be the result of the simplest of words that you say or an action, or a simple expression. You never know what you have changed. 

It's totally true, that when we were still a child, we often got some appraisals, encouragements, and compliments. But when we already looked a bit taller, parents started scolding us, punishing us, beating us, or even expelling us. Whereas, as we know that, children need 3N to grow up, Nutrition, Nurture, and Nature. And to become a productive, strong, good men, children alse need 3N, Nutrition (education), Nature (environtment) and Nurture (encouragement, appreciation, compliment). Actually, thus, parents need to give their children supports even after they become teenagers, adults, and even after they get married.

by Naskar Hansam (Hasanuddin University)

Share on Google Plus

0 komentar: