Cynthia John

Dear Parent,
The recent earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria highlight the precarious preciousness of life. But the natural instinct is to shield children from such tragedies.

Yet while it’s prudent not to expose them to gory images in the media, it’s not necessary to over-protect children from learning about the realities of life.

In a world of rising consumerism and self-centredness, exposure to tragedies can help children understand and appreciate the value of life, family and what they have. Watching or reading reports of children who have lost parents, and people who have lost their homes can help children value creature comforts they usually take for granted. Moreover, discussing such issues within the family helps them to develop values such as compassion, sharing and sacrifice.

En famille, you could plan to contribute in cash and kind to people who’ve suffered loss of life and property.
Similarly, when painful diseases and death afflict our near and dear ones, talking about it helps children to respect and love elders who have a short lease of life.

Of course, every parent wants her child to feel safe and secure. But making them aware of the joys and tragedies of life supplemented with reassurances, will help your children appreciate the comfort and security of home and family and prepare them to cope with the inevitable slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.
On the other hand as parents while we appreciate the value of our children’s lives, we can also learn to cherish the moments we spend with our precious progeny. It’s a lesson parents need to learn as much as children do.