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I WAS recently on a vacation and had the opportunity to take a cruise on an Italian liner.
Of course, it was an unforgettable experience but what I was struck by was the amazing way people dealt with their children and the amazing knowledge they, as parents, had to answer their children’s every question.
During the week-long voyage, I interacted with many of the passengers, mostly Italians, and closely watched them and their behaviour but, besides other things, it was their treatment of children that was outstanding, which was a lesson in managing, teaching and raising them.
Of course, there were no babysitters accompanying any family, despite the presence of more than one child. I saw how a well-set system plays an important role in their lives, in terms of time, eating regimen, organising their exit from the ship and other practices that I consider more than wonderful.
A family was sitting next to me and I heard one of the children asking his mother about accurate information about the ship, how it was made, how much it cost to build, and many other questions that I did not expect a 10-year-old child would ask. What fascinated me, however, was the lady answered every question with ease and those she wasn’t able to, she promised her son she would do at a later time after herself finding out.
There was a lot of attention given to the child and the mother did not once complain, instead answering every question at length.
This is the meaning of proper education and upbringing that we lack. Whenever the mother is educated and well-informed, the result will, of course, be satisfactory and positively reflected on the children.
On the other hand, in our own societies, if the child asks a question, he does not find the mother’s interest and at many times he is asked to stop asking. How then do we expect to transfer knowledge if the mother is not educated and is not able to enlighten and educate her children?
I also watched families at meal times and saw how they conducted themselves as well as how they were guided by their parents. It was quite pleasant to see that they talked among themselves all the time but softly, making sure others around them were not disturbed.
It is a bitter truth we must face. This is what we miss in the art of education for children. For a whole week, I saw nothing but discipline, cleanliness and order, and I believe that everyone had a great time, but the sacrifices remain from the parents who made exceptional efforts.
I hope to learn a lesson from these correct practices and work to implement them and educate ourselves first and then our children.
As Professor John Boehner, director of the Research Centre at the British Institute of Education, says in a study: “Educated people are less likely to suffer from depression, achieve more and enjoy better health. Education helps a person manage his life better and overcome problems he faces.”
The study emphasises that educational opportunities should be provided to the largest segment of people and attention should be paid to spreading knowledge, which would help develop the social level and help them lead a better life.
Zuhair A. Tawfiqi
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