Parents are the best teachers

Recently, I read with interest the views expressed by Nazratul Akmar Mokhtar (Informal Learning: Parents are the best teachers, NST, Dec 11). What great and novel ideas on parenting. The ideas mooted need careful analysis by parents who want their children to excel in education and life.

If parents can carry out their duties as stipulated in the letter, many of our problems with children can be solved or handled well. As parents, are we listening to our children enough, spending quality time with them, participating in their learning process and exploring the world with them? Do we have time to have meals with them, share jokes or anecdotes, watch movies, pray together and assist them in their studies? Do children turn to parents when faced with challenges? These are questions that need to be pondered on.

Parents play a crucial role in the education of children. In whatever education system in place, the role of parents cannot be undervalued. Just as a gardener carefully nurtures his plants, parents should train children from their earliest childhood. From childhood, children should receive systematic training and instruction.

Learning cannot be taught only through books. Parents are models to be emulated by children. As the saying goes, "like father, like son", parents are perfect examples to their children.

When children excel in their undertakings, whether studies, sports, competitions or debates, they should be praised and encouraged, motivating them to forge on in life and their studies.

In my parenting programmes, these are some of the issues discussed and shared with parents. Sad to say, many of these expected actions are not carried out fully. Many reasons are cited for the shortcomings. Chief among them are lack of time, work pressure, not being able to understand children and communication gap.

Children are a precious gift on this earth. They should be guided, nurtured, molded and showed the best way in their journey towards success. The education of every child is in the hands of parents.