We live in a society where the education of children has largely been seen as a responsibility of schools and teachers. However, this perception is wrong. The reality is that the primary responsibility for educating children lies with parents, who must ensure their children receive an adequate and comprehensive education. Teachers can provide tools, knowledge, and skills, but it is parents who must lead the educational process from home, creating an environment that supports learning and personal growth.
Many parents make the mistake of completely delegating their children’s education to schools, forgetting that the real learning process begins at home. The first lessons in life, such as morality, values, and respect, are not taught in classrooms, but within the family. Emotional structure, study habits, and a sense of responsibility are shaped by the example set by parents.
Modern society, with its rapid technological advances and economic changes, has triggered profound transformations in family dynamics. One of the most notable changes has been the increased participation of women in the workforce, which, while a step forward in terms of gender equality, has led to a shortage of time and attention for children. Work-related stress and the lack of time have become factors that hinder the harmonious development of minors, often leaving families trapped in a routine that prevents them from dedicating the necessary time to their children's emotional and academic education.
The home, however, remains the fundamental pillar on which children’s futures are built. If harmony, peace, and cooperation prevail at home, children will grow up in a healthy environment. If, on the other hand, the home is marked by constant tensions and conflicts, children will grow up in an environment of insecurity and emotional instability. Parents, as role models, are responsible for the atmosphere within the home. The values and principles children absorb from their family environment will stay with them throughout their lives.
However, when confronted with disobedient or ill-mannered children, many parents quickly blame the teachers or the educational system. This attitude of evading parental responsibility creates a vicious cycle, where the role of the family is overlooked. Education is not a service that is bought at a store; it is a process that must begin within the family and be complemented by the school.
This cycle of irresponsibility is further exacerbated by the economic and social pressures that many families face. Excessive work hours, social expectations, and constant stress to maintain family well-being prevent parents from dedicating the necessary time to their children's upbringing and education. But, just as any business invests resources in training its employees to ensure success, society should invest in children’s education, recognizing that the well-being and development of these children directly influence the prosperity and stability of society as a whole.
Under an "ironic but respectful" yet understandable perspective, imagine from a let’s say.. "business" standpoint, children should be viewed as the most valuable assets—an investment in the future of all. Just as a company allocates time, effort, and resources to train its employees for long-term success, society should invest in the education of children, recognizing that their well-being and development will directly impact the prosperity and stability of the future entire community.
It is time to take responsibility for education at home. Parents must be aware that it is not only their duty to send their children to school, but also to be the primary architects of their children's futures by providing a home that fosters values, habits, and strong principles. If each family took on its responsibility, schools could focus on reinforcing and enriching this educational process, and the future of our societies would be much more promising.
However, governments, aware that many parents are not fully prepared to provide proper education to their children, have a crucial responsibility in this regard. They must not only ensure access to basic education but also place greater emphasis on providing students with a comprehensive education that includes ethics, respect, values, human rights, and social awareness. In a world where global challenges, such as climate change and sustainability, are becoming more urgent, governments should normalize environmental care in educational programs, instilling in children the importance of environmental preservation and developing sustainable habits. Promoting a sustainable lifestyle should be seen as an essential part of education in the 21st century, preparing children not only to be competent individuals in the job market but also responsible citizens committed to the common good and the future of the Earth. If parents cannot do it all, governments have the opportunity and duty to complement these efforts by providing every child with an education that prepares them to face the challenges of tomorrow.
At the same time, it is crucial to remember that children should be allowed to be children. Learning should not be limited to an accumulation of academic information, but rather should be a fun, interactive, and natural process based on play and curiosity. Children should be able to explore their environment, experiment, fail, and learn from their mistakes without the constant pressure of immediate results. The educational approach should prioritize teaching real values such as empathy, solidarity, collaboration, and respect.
Countries with successful educational systems, such as Finland, have shown that when the focus is placed on emotional well-being and learning through play, children not only acquire deeper knowledge but also develop social and emotional skills that will accompany them throughout their lives. Finland, for example, has opted for a student-centered approach, where class time is balanced with breaks and recreational activities, allowing children to develop in a well-rounded way. This approach has not only led to greater satisfaction among students but also to outstanding academic performance on the global stage.
This educational model, which places the child at the center and values their well-being as much as their academic learning, should be emulated and adapted to local realities. By prioritizing learning through play, respect for human values, and comprehensive development, children will grow up not only with technical knowledge but also with the ability to face the social, environmental, and ethical challenges of the future.
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