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BY ROMA GONZALES
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Old Will from Young Now
ONE of the greatest misfortunes in adult life is probably forgetting how we were once children. Many of us still carry vivid memories of happiness (climbing up trees, being motivated by parents to get that karate black belt) or pain (being bullied around or dealing with abusive family members, witnessing death and poverty). These all leave marks that pave our fates much more deeply that the lines in our palms.
Who we are as adults are firmly rooted in who were as children. We can rationalize our behavioral and moral shortcomings with how we were raised and what kind of people and environment we grew up in during our formative years.
Consider biographies or documentaries about famous people. Whether they be radical leaders like Gandhi or Hitler, geniuses like Rizal or Einstein, intriguing personalities like James Dean or say, Bonnie and Clyde, their childhoods make the most interesting chapters and segments in understanding their life stories. Early childhood and education, influences and relationships with parents provide an enlightening glimpse into the cornerstone of one’s persona and sometimes, an apology as to why so and so became this or that.
Psychologist John Watson went on to claim that given a dozen healthy infants, he can train them into anything he wants them to be – artists, doctors, lawyers, beggars and thieves by theory of nature against nature. If we ask Freud, even our toilet training during toddlerhood affects whether we become organized or compulsive or punctual or thrifty adults.
While extensive studies and debates are still ongoing, there is no denying that childhood is not a phase in life we should overlook or neglect.
Yet, we treat children all the same: like they won’t remember, like they can’t feel, like they won’t grow into adults themselves capable of resentment.
The adage “The children are our future” has become a double-dead cliche that it has almost lost its power to make people think or act. It has become routine like a nonchalant “How are you?” that doesn’t really care for an answer. But it must be repeated and paraphrased, again and again and again, alongside newer and more relevant points, because truths like this must be double tacked onto the cork board of life hacks.
We always say we wish for peace and a better world. Perhaps we can realize that through raising children who would not only grow up to continue the wishing, but into adults who are humane, culture-sensitive, green-minded, productive and wise. And what better way to start than by training them from when their minds are still pliable and they are still wide-eyed and eager to walk the earth? This is the same reason why organizations like the UNICEF stress the importance of early childhood development as a way to create sustainable communities and strong nations.
It is of great joy that Bata Ako PH, an Iloilo-based non-profit organization, is dedicating this month of November to forward children’s rights, health, literature and overall conditions in the Philippines. A national conference was held this 7th in Iloilo, covering topics such children’s television, literature, emotional health and rights with a powerhouse roster of speakers.
On the same week, a medical mission and psychological counseling will be provided to a group of children in St. Clement’s Church. Interested sponsors and donors for Bata Ako PH can reach founder Miss Glory Moralidad through (0927) 925 2734.
We believe the children are our future, but it is futile if we forget to act that we are their present. Not only are we responsible in preserving the earth for them to inhabit and enjoy, but also to turn them into adults who can fully appreciate life and one another./PN
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