For the past months the Open Haversack has provided a forum to openly discuss familial, educational as well as societal issues affecting children and parents. Today, as the Haversack closes, it wants to revisit some of these issues and offer advice.
Bullying
Help children handle school bullying. Educate your children from an early age that bullying and the bully come in many forms – it may be direct or indirect – and they should not be bullied into doing things. They should be taught to identify the different forms of bullying and if they encounter a bully, he/she should be exposed. Teach children that they must not live in fear, for fear cripples all aspects of their development.
When a child complains of being bullied, take action and investigate. It is a matter that should not be taken lightly. Do not leave any stones unturned; get to the root of the matter before it is too late. Step up and stamp bullying out now.
Sex
Sex has been creeping into our schools at a steady rate and is not only prevalent at the secondary level but also the primary. It must be understood that as children mature physically as well as sexually they will have sexual desires. The values instilled in them will cause them to make the correct choices and abstain from sexual activities and peer pressure. It is also imperative that we educate our boys. This is essential so that they can understand their gender role and sexuality and allow them to reflect and question “predominant norms around masculinity and femininity”. Teach them responsibility.
In addition, we need to seek out sexual predators who pounce on our children and bring them to justice. Remember that under the Convention On The Rights Of The Child, anyone under 18 is considered a child.
Let us empower our children to make the correct decisions in life. Make family life education a must in all schools, ensuring that it covers sexual and reproductive health. Intervene early with preventative methods, but be strategic, ensuring that the information given is age appropriate. Make the curriculum relevant to the changing society.
Drugs
Drugs are everywhere; in the neighbourhood, on the block, and even inside of some haversacks in the classroom. Do not be fooled, your child is constantly being exposed to this menace, therefore it is imperative that you do not turn a blind eye to this problem but educate yourself and your child and tackle it head on.
Parents, spend time with your children. Have open communication. Let your children know that if they have a problem, they can come to you.
Help them develop good decision-making, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Provide adequate supervision and instil positive values in them that will help build character.
• Rhonda A. Blackman is an educator, National Development Scholar and former president of the Early Childhood Association of Barbados Inc. Email: theopenhaversack@gmail.com