Pediatrics was one of my favorite modules in our first year of medical school. I have always loved kids, anything from teaching them, playing with them, talking with them. Learning about them was just as enjoyable. We learned about the stages in a child’s development, the changes they go through, and the proper way to handle them.
To me, children are breathing miracles. Imagine, we all started out as these little people, unable to fend for ourselves and dependent on our caregivers. Eventually, we grew up, both in a literal and figurative light. We achieved the stature of an adult. We acquired the skills necessary for functional living – walking, talking, eating, etc. We grew, we developed, little by little, taking what we like to call ‘baby steps.’
As I learned more about children, however, I realized how much of their growth and development depends on the adults that take care of them. These children are our mirrors. Being helpless, they pick up from whatever we do, whatever we say. They absorb the values and attitudes that we show them, trusting that this is how they should behave. The prime responsibility of raising good kids are on the shoulders of those who raise them. And we’re not just talking about parents. This actually translates to everyone – siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, teachers, friends, anyone who can interact with children. A child is not born knowing the difference between right and wrong; they are mere copycats. Especially during the formative years, children simply take from adults’ examples. There are no good or bad children. Just good or bad examples.
Knowing this, it is necessary to look into ourselves, of what we project to children. Like I said, we started out as children, a blank slate written on by what we were taught. Eventually, we had a grasp of right and wrong; we were allowed to make our own decisions. Interestingly though, more knowledge does not necessarily translate to better choices. For some reason, we’ve shifted from seeing black and white to living in the gray areas in between. We have found ways to twist the truth, or to make evil look good.
At the same time, you can say we have much to learn from children, too. Children believe in dreaming big and changing the world. They believe in superheroes, fairy godmothers, and happily ever after. They believe in villains, too, but they’re adamant that good will prevail over evil, whatever happens. You can call it gullible, but it’s this kind or perspective that makes children perpetually happy. It’s this ease of happiness that keeps them carefree.
I am older now, and I know that the world is not perfect, but letting that fact corrupt you will not make you by any means happier. I have learned that happiness is a matter of believing you can be happy, just as how children do it. This must be why I love children so much. They remind me to smile despite problems; they’re resiliency is admirable. They can be upset for one minute and then easily shift to cheerfulness the next. They know how to move on from disappointment, quickly realigning their focus. They give off this vibrant energy that lets you embrace your youth and love your life. You could call them my personal fountain of youth.
There is so much to learn from these youngsters as much as we can offer to them. I have made it a personal resolution of mine to keep loving children, interacting with them, and fighting for their betterment. It”s our duty to mould their spirits, to help them dream bigger, and to make them believe that they can achieve their dreams. We are responsible for teaching them, lecturing them, giving them the values and attitudes they need as they grow up. Let’s keep teaching these children, and let’s keep learning from them. I believe we can preserve the luster of childlike wonder, both in children’s eyes and in our own.
Ella Thinks Aloud 