Reaction and Reasoning

Once again, I sat at the Family & Juvenile Court wondering. Wondering how does any parent bring him/herself to lodge a Beyond Parental Control on the child.

I was questioned by a mum "Why are children nowadays so naughty?". I wanted very much to tell her straight in the face that how a child grows up is very dependent on what the adults wants to teach him. If the child's neglected at home, naturally he will look for his friends & if his friends are of bad influence, conveniently, he will adopt the bad habits.

Yet another parent was sharing with me about her child. In short, she shared her family life history. She says that she cannot control anymore. He just doesn't listen. She shouldn't have adopted him. I thought to myself "That's as good as losing a battle that could be won." Just the thought of "I shouldn't have adopted him" has negative impact on the child.

I believe in believing in people. Rather, it's not easy believing people (especially if they have done like so many things for you to not trust). However, I strive towards telling myself to believe in others & give chances. (Of course, I get disappointed many times & I get down once in awhile) but that doesn't stop me from learning how to look at a film negative and imagining all the beautiful colors the picture can turn out to be.

Over the past 4 months, I have experience early "motherhood". Children are really very observant bunch of people. Their rate of absorbing is more than that of a sponge! I learn that I have to set an example so that the kids can learn. I experienced a child getting very angry with me ignoring me. However, the child wrote a letter for me telling me why there is anger. After that, I realized that the child is just reacting because I hadn't had the time to spend individual time with him. I thought to myself - If they can react & act up to a social worker, how much more will they react/act up to their own parents/guardians. However, if we, the adults, do not know how to react to that reaction, then, we will lose a wonderful opportunity to educate & nurture them.

Gosh, there is so so much to learn about kids & with kids. So much to be joyful & cry about. So much to learn about myself as well. Life's indeed a journey.