Letter To Editor | Aug 10,2019
Nov 5 , 2022
By Kidist Yidnekachew
The other day, while my son was playing inside the residency compound, I had the time to observe how the other kids were playing. Most of them were older than my child, playing different games. One boy, in particular, was chasing after kids with a rock. It was frustrating to witness as a rock is not something to mess around with.
Baffled by the situation, the parents hanging out near the playground told him to stop whatever he was doing. The boy pretended to stop at first, but as soon as our attention was diverted, he picked up the rock and threw it in the direction of another kid. From what I understood, the boy has nothing against the kid he threw the rock at. No parent or guardian in the compound could justify his behaviour.
To witness such a notorious act was disturbing. Parents should be responsible for their kids' behaviour or meet the consequences of them hurting others.
I often worry about my children, especially on school days.
Would they be targets for bullies?
The thought drives me crazy. Regardless, what comes to my mind whenever the subject of little children arises is their small stature, particularly the tiny feet or fingers and their innocence. Children are pure and harmless. Whatever harm they cause should be considered as failing to understand the societal norms and values they live in. This is partly a result of technological exposure or parents' failure to mind their behavioural development.
As a mother, I look for better ways to raise my children.
One of my inspirations comes from parenting videos that show specific "how-to's" on particular issues. Experts provide tips and ideas that are precise and on point. Recently, I started watching Jordan Peterson's lectures. He is a Canadian clinical psychologist and one of the digital world personalities trying to restore Western society's lost or forgotten virtues.
Peterson is articulate. He believes parents' job is to raise children, liked by many or not appalled by any. Such children are well-behaved and have enough awareness about the norms of the society that they are living in. One could argue against Peterson's idea, but raising a child with discipline opens a door for others not to be inconvenienced by their presence. Nobody wants to be around a child misbehaving.
Later that day, I learned that what happened at the playground was a recurrent incident. The boy turns a blind eye to his parents' commands to stop attacking other kids - several times. Schools may contribute to disciplining children, but parents must have authority over their kids through the discipline and reward systems.
If they cannot handle their kids, who can?
The way I grew up is where parents encourage their kids to fight back when aggressed. The morality of such guidance is arguable. Raising a child with a conqueror mentality is subjective, but that should not permit children to hurt others. It might serve as a protective mechanism but raising kids that terrorize others is unbearable.
As Peterson would say, "be fair"; half the problem is solved if parents raise children to be kind and disciplined.
PUBLISHED ON
Nov 05,2022 [ VOL
23 , NO
1175]
Letter To Editor | Aug 10,2019
Verbatim | Jan 03,2021
Verbatim | Mar 25,2023
Life Matters | Feb 10,2024
Photo Gallery | 185863 Views | May 06,2019
Photo Gallery | 175904 Views | Apr 26,2019
Photo Gallery | 171466 Views | Oct 06,2021
My Opinion | 139414 Views | Aug 14,2021
Dec 22 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Charged with transforming colossal state-owned enterprises into modern and competitiv...
Aug 18 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Although predictable Yonas Zerihun's job in the ride-hailing service is not immune to...
Jul 28 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Unhabitual, perhaps too many, Samuel Gebreyohannes, 38, used to occasionally enjoy a couple of beers at breakfast. However, he recently swit...
Jul 13 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Investors who rely on tractors, trucks, and field vehicles for commuting, transporting commodities, and f...
May 9 , 2026
The Ethiopian state appears to have discovered a fiscal instrument that is politicall...
May 2 , 2026
By the time Ethiopia's National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) reached the end of its fir...
Apr 25 , 2026
In a political community, official speeches show what governments want their citizens...
For much of the past three decades, Ethiopia occupied a familiar place in the Western...
May 9 , 2026 . By NAHOM AYELE
Finance Minister Ahmed Shide entered the last quarter of the fiscal year with a budge...
May 9 , 2026 . By NAHOM AYELE
At the Federal High Court's Lideta Division, on Dejazmach Bekele Weya Street, one of...
May 9 , 2026 . By BEZAWIT HULUAGER
Mayor Adanech Abiebie's cabinet has approved an additional 9.9 billion Br budget, a m...
May 9 , 2026 . By BEZAWIT HULUAGER
The fight over Cosmo Trading Plc has outgrown the courtroom where it began. What star...
Loading your updates...