Every trait seen in great leaders – whether good or bad – began as seeds planted in them by parents, guardians, or teachers. No adult just emerged; each passed through the basic stage of childhood. This is why the proper nurturing of a child isn’t just important. It is essential and cannot be overemphasized.
Who is a child?
According to Nelson Mandela, a child is “our greatest treasure and our future”. On the other hand, the Oxford dictionary defines a child as “an individual who has not yet reached adulthood”.
In our society, the term “child” is often used based on the level of maturity or behaviour. However, there is a widely accepted understanding that a child is an individual who hasn’t yet reached adulthood.
What is the nature of a child?
Every child, whether born in cities or towns, exists with a generic nature, and this includes a thirst for knowledge, playfulness, innocence, a tendency to imitate characters and behaviors, emotional expressiveness, and dependence on a caretaker. This is why many adults sometimes desire the freedom of childhood.
You might be thinking aloud that “some children act like they existed before you”. While that may sound mysterious or even extraordinary, it’s not unusual. I hope you also don’t call them “Obanje”.
Children acting wiser than their age may be the product of both nature (biology) and nurture (environment). That is, it could be just a remarkable combination of early development, emotional insight, and enriched experience, depending on what they are raised with and exposed to.
Why is every child important?
The importance of a child revolves around the importance of the future. If we truly desire a better tomorrow, it begins with the seed we sow in children today. Seed speaks – whether good or bad. Yes, this message has been echoed time and again, and it may seem as though change is slow but with diligence and intentional effort, we will begin to see the future we desire
Children are important because they are the key to a better tomorrow and a good future. Their unattained seed intentionally nurtured and not polluted will reflect in years to come and the society won’t be left out.
Today, we can clearly see the effects of the children raised 20, 30, and even 50 years ago. Whether we accept it or not, their values, training, and exposure are what we are living with now. So, if we want a brighter future, we must invest intentionally in every child.
I will make it a direct message from here.
This is a call to every Father, Mother, Uncle, Aunt, Siblings, Teachers, Guardians, and every individual.
Please, invest wisely in every child. When they trust you with their vulnerability, honor that trust. Don’t misuse it. Don’t expose them to the wrong feeds. Don’t train them with faulty foundations. These treasures are to be properly cherished and taught.
You have been given a sacred responsibility to educate, guide, and protect wisely.
Whenever you are fortunate to be with these tender souls, guard and guide them well.
Choose to build and not destroy them.
Because within every child is a bright star—waiting to shine.
