Tolerance

Tolerance is a virtue that is dying down slowly. In earlier days, children were part of a large family set up. It was difficult to find out the real parents of a child because the house was filled up with lots of cousins. Every one had the right and responsibility towards all the children. None of the children was given a special treatment. Terms like individuality, special place, independence, were taboo words. The key aspects that governed life were adjustment, sacrifice, putting others before self and accommodation. Moreover, the children were exposed to every day family chores, issues, struggles and happenings. Their education of life started at home. They grew up looking at adults who were tolerant, patient, hardworking, truthful and other such virtues. As the family came down in size, the concentration on children went up. Today the child is treated in a very sensitive manner. Every mood and fancy of the child is important now. Modern day parents are living in a highly competitive world. This influences their behaviour and constantly keeps them on tenterhooks. Apart from his parents, the child meets adults who are mostly tensed, intolerant and restless. As a society, we are failing to provide good role models for our children. It is rare to find people whom our children can emulate. We expect children to take care of their life, family, society, world and the ‘Mother earth’ itself. What are we doing to prepare the child for this? It is the responsibility of all of us to take time off from our grueling routines and think what we can do for our children. Ultimately children and their growth matters the most to us because they are our hope for tomorrow. When the child complains against something or someone, take a minute, control your instant reaction and think because your response will shape the character of your child, the future globizen.