Be an example for kids

2017-10-18 06:00
Victoria Nkosi Social Observer

Victoria Nkosi Social Observer


Being an example is something that has been on my mind lately and that I am advocating.

There was a child who had been bullying my daughter at school since the beginning of this year.

Me and my mother then went to the school twice to meet the principal and teacher, trying to address the matter.

I still do not know if the parents of the bully had knowledge about their child’s behaviour.

I then decided to take it upon myself to start a movement called “Be an Example”.

I realised that we all are not raised the same, so obviously some people grew up not being taught how not to be selfish, how not to be too proud or look down on others, since we all come from different backgrounds.

There are parents who teach and raise their children to meet a standard, meaning meeting and befriending children in the same class.

At the same time, unfortunately, some will end up looking down on others as “lesser people”.

I was raised to be a people’s person.

I think we need to teach our child-ren how to conduct themselves and treat others well from an early age so that when they reach the foundation phase (Gr. 1 to Gr. 3), they will be able to conduct themselves in a civilised and orderly fashion.

They will grow up to be responsible adults who will teach their children to do the same.

One find some young children at the age of seven making bad remarks such as “I do not play with poor people” instead of wanting to share some of their toys or food with the less fortunate.

Some children learn these beha- viours from their parents.

I believe it is our responsibility as adults to teach our children how to behave and treat others.

If you do not want a gossiping child, do not speak ill about your neighbours who are struggling to make ends meet.

If you want a clean and well-man-nered child, dare to go the store wearing pyjamas and a gown.

If you want a caring and sharing child, teach him or her to be an example first.

No child is too young to be taught discipline.

Remember, our children imitate the behaviours they learn at home and they take that to the outside of the home, reflecting the upbringing and homes they come from.

I was taught not to look down on any person, because you never know where you will meet that person again and might need help or vice versa.

I am who I am because of other people (“Motho ke motho ka batho”).

Let us start now to be the change we would like to see and become an example to our children.

Let us stop bullying, hate speech, teasing and undermining people and rather be an example.


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