Children in adult's world

While I waited for Anna to come, my attention  was drawn by this child  climbing the stairs to a restaurant ahead of his parents. The steps were too tall for him to reach. Even after holding on to the railings, he was struggling. I was glad that the railings  gave him protection and support.

That is when I became even more conscious how the environment children live in is created for adults. I do occasionally see in wash rooms basins placed at a lower height to let children use them or high chairs in the restaurants for them to be seated. This is a welcome sight.

Let me suggest that whether it is a shopping mall, pedestrian paths, public gardens, restaurants or even the schools, the facilities are adult centric in orientation. 

It is uncommon to see a children's corner in our homes, where they have tables and chairs designated for their use, a toy or book shelf to which they have full access or have place for exploring their hobbies or creative interests. One seven year child told me recently that his parents do not have space for a small aquarium  that he is fond of.

Many young children trespass into adults space such as dad's table or mummy's cupboard and they get reprimanded for this. The adolescent children by force, threats or insistence get their privacy in their homes, which I am afraid is sometimes misused for unacceptable practices such as misuse of internet.

It is necessary to offer space and place for our children in our homes that they grow up valued, honoured and recognised for who they are. As adults we need a  mindset of preferential attitude towards children.

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)