Can we not let our children just be children?

Being a parent myself, I am all for encouraging youngsters to grow into the best version of themselves and to be supported in whatever endeavour they choose to pursue.

What is quite concerning though is the large number of children who are somewhat steered towards achieving a specific goal or dream their parents have mapped out for them.

This means that at a very young age, children are pushed into certain avenues, whether it is philanthropic, on the sport field or a particular hobby, all in an attempt to enhance their ‘career’ portfolio.

I don’t understand how an eight-year-old child can leave a legacy. The word ‘legacy’ is more fitting in the case of an 80-year-old person who has a wealth of life experience and is knocking on heaven’s door.

At 45-years-old, I don’t even have a legacy – there’s so much more I need to still accomplish in my life.

Let our children just be children.

Yes, teach them the core values of love, kindness, sharing, doing good and being compassionate. But they don’t need adult goals to be placed on their little shoulders now.

Children are innocent and this innocence is short-lived once we dump grown-up ambitions on them.

There will come a time where the innocence of their youth will be no more and they will join the cut-throat, ambitious and competitive circle we find ourselves in.

But until then, allow them to enjoy their childhood in a carefree manner. Give them the opportunities and platforms to flourish, and when they find their passion or niche, hone that skill and help them work hard and improve in that desired field.

PARENT IN PROGRESS