The primary teachers we typically have in our lives are our parents, who instruct us in walking, talking, and behaving well before we enter “the real world.” Our parents play a greater role in the overall growth and education of children compared to the teachers we encounter in school. Particularly at the start of our lives, our parents are undoubtedly the finest educators, aligning with their natural duty. Parents demonstrate immense dedication and involvement in teaching their children; they possess an inherent inclination to selflessly invest in their children’s advancement.
Parents play a crucial role in our lives by imparting their wisdom and values to us with love and patience. They strive to ensure that we are equipped with positive knowledge and skills. A significant part of this learning process is implicit, as children unconsciously imitate their parents’ habits and behaviors. This pattern continues even during adolescence, the second stage of child development, although teenagers may not always accept parental advice. Nonetheless, it remains valuable guidance for them. Alternatively, adolescents may turn to their friends as their preferred source of education in such situations. It is common for young people across different cultures to be rebellious and resistant towards parental advice.
My initial marriage was a form of rebellion against my parents’ counsel, indicating the need for greater flexibility and collaboration between parents and their children in such circumstances. Thus, the role of being an educator to a developing child becomes progressively intricate over time, posing challenges that many parents struggle to meet. Nonetheless, it is important to acknowledge that parents are not trained educators and their decisions are often influenced by their deep affection for their children.
Limiting children’s exposure to different viewpoints by solely wishing them good things and a comfortable life can hinder their maturation. Parents typically offer a singular perspective of the world, whereas effective education should be built on diverse attitudes. Consequently, when children attend school and engage with various teachers, they gain knowledge that surpasses what their parents can provide. Additionally, as our parents grow older, they often become more conservative and may lack objectivity regarding current trends and styles. Thus, we need to exercise caution in accepting their advice during this phase.
Although parents may not be ideal teachers, their intuition and familial love make them excellent instructors and advisors. Despite this, children benefit from a diverse range of teachers to gain a well-rounded perspective on the world. Nevertheless, parents hold the utmost dedication and emotional investment in their children’s future, making them the most committed of all teachers.
