I felt fascinated by the look of the four stages of the rose flowers in this rose bush! They appear together and look brilliant but are in different stages of opening or shedding its petals!
This became the symbol of family life as I reflected on it! Parents and children are in different stages of unfolding the mystery of their lives.
What disturbed me yesterday when I listened to some families, is the strong expectations with which parents live longingly to see children fulfil their aspirations. Their stories of disappointments and sadness figured in most of the conversations with families.
What was even more revealing is the helplessness that parents feel when their dreams about their children do not get honoured due to the developmental challenges of their children.
One event that parents look forward is the school entry of a child! Five families mentioned how it was difficult for them to get an admission for their child in schools close to their home, because schools expect children to conform to the norms of the class room. Two parents are struggling as they were told to withdraw their children from the Lower KG as their children do not pay attention to the events in the class room.
If you do not conform, you are shunted out!
I wish this mind set would change!
Each flower in the photo is in its own stage of unfolding!
How much I wish that parents and school teachers accept children as they are and stay with them to help them unfold their abilities and prospects by being patient companions to them!
M.C.Mathew (text and photo)
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