Few can disagree with this quote. This
world may be large, and have many different approaches on how to raise children,
yet love is universally accepted as a “vital” component in the “upbringing of a
child.”
The component of freedom is usually more
debated upon. Some cultures believe that children should be allowed to grow and
discover themselves without too many external opinions shaping their
perspective on life. The “Montessori” school system exemplifies this concept.
Other cultures believe that children
should be given freedom, yet no too much, as they are only children. How can
one expect a little being that is inexperienced to be able to make decisions? Yes,
experience teaches, yet sometimes is it not better for the child not to undergo
hurtful experiences and instead be guided or informed of the consequences by an
adult. If this is the case, then it is better for adults to limit a child’s
freedom as to insure the child’s safety. Sadly this too has its extreme.
Sometimes children are not given any freedom to become individuals, and are
instead moulded into the creature their parent want them to be.
I believe that the major debate that may
evolve out of this quote is based on the definition of “freedom”. What freedoms
and the degree to which one should allow children to have the choice to make
their own decisions is a decisive factor for me.
I do believe that children need to go
out and experience life for themselves. Burning ones finger on a hot stove
teaches a little child not to touch hot objects. Climbing trees, and running
around gives children an opportunity to discover the eco-system in their
surroundings. Freedom allows children to become their own people and not just
fill in a mould created by their parents.
Freedom must have its limitations as
well (in the case of the “creation and upbringing of a child”). Children are
not adults. They need rules and regulations to guide them, and help them lead a
healthy life. Most children love sweets, and if it were up to them, they would
live of sugar (at least I would have). This would create various health
problems for them, and most likely rot all their teeth. Fortunately, adults
exist to curtail a child’s access to sugar.
Of course there is a counter-argument to
this example: if a child is given the freedom to eat as much sugar as they
want, they will eventually become sick of it, and stop eating it. Sadly though,
the consequences of eating too much sugar may come before this realization (and
often be the reason for the realization).
“Love” is definitely “vital to the
creation and upbringing of a child”. It gives the child the support and
confidence it needs to grow-up and face the wide world. It makes a child feel
special and cared for. It lets a child know that it is wanted. Yet “freedom”
needs to have its limitations. Freedom is most certainly a “vital” component.
It is needed to discover oneself, but too much freedom may have consequences.
A little bird cannot fly; it needs its
mothers love and support to grow. Eventually its confidence grows and it decides
it can fly, the mother watches and may even decide that the little bird needs a
shove out of the nest. The little bird tries but cannot fly, the mother bird
will not just watch her baby fall to its death; she will go and save it. She
gives her baby freedom but keeps an eye out to make sure here baby is still
safe.
Word count:615
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