REASONS WHY YOUR CHILD MUST SEE THE BIGGER PICTURE

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.

Big pictures give children/students a sense of direction. It guides their part as they wander through the labyrinth of life. It is like having a healthy dosage of faith – an assurance of things hoped for. 

Even when frustration sets in, having a concept of the bigger picture can serve as a light at the end of the tunnel. It keeps their hope alive and renews the determination to forge on irrespective of how high the odds are stacked against them. 

This is the best gift we can ever give our children.