Thank God it’s Tuesday.
And thanks for your likes and heartfelt comments. I
believe that together we will go a long way in setting up our little ones
for good.
Between 2007 and 2008, I was opportuned to visit Olumo
rock in Ogun state. We climbed to its peak and beneath us lay the town of
Abeokuta. From the peak, we had a bird’s view of the whole town, its length and
breadth. It is the perfect big picture. While we were driving to the Rock
itself, our views were limited to the street and structures surrounding us but
the reverse was the case when we got to the summit.
This is a classic Parent vs Child scenario. One of the
lessons I have learnt while interacting with students is their inability to see
the big picture some times. Sometimes I wonder what their life would be
like without us by their side.
For instance, I overheard a student once boasting that
she needs a job that could pay her #100,000 per month and she will be good to
go. Your guess is as good as mine. She is as green as a green horn could ever
be. Her lack of experience is as bright as the sun for all to see. The
difference between us and them is immense. Our evaluated experiences can never
be matched by theirs. They are mere beginners at experience’s school of real
life issues. The bigger picture still eludes them to an extent.
As such they need a sense of focus, a sense of
direction that would guide them like a compass to their destination. And one of
the sure ways of getting them on the right track is by keeping them in touch
with the big (ger) picture.
The big (ger) picture is like the final destination, goal
and final end. It is the reason for whatever they are doing now. Their coming
to school, having good grades, examination etc is all part of it.
Sometimes it may be bigger than whatever the school has in plan for them.
So how do we get them to see it? One of the best ways
of painting this big picture is by making them an actor/actress in the film of
their own future. When a child has a stake in the picture you create, it is
easy for him/her to buy the story. Forcing Emeka to observe you change a
flattened tire is different from painting a picture where he was stuck on a
deserted road and what he had learnt from you made the difference, are two
different things all together.
This is the best gift we can ever give our
children.
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