Super Nanny- Please come to Pakistan!
Some one commented extremely casually the other day that all of Iqbal’s “khuddi” is now only found in the toddlers of this nation. Having experienced one evening too many, in the company of assertive, bossy, self confident, little people, makes me believe that statement thoroughly. So will these little masters turn into confident, educated young adults taking us towards the long coveted road of prosperity, or are we bringing up our own disaster?
While I do not claim to be any authority on child psychology, the initial few years of a child’s life are considered fundamental in their personality development. These kids, unstoppable in the face of tired, defeated parents and indulgent grand parents do not recognize any authority figure except for maybe some “jin baba”, “hawa”, “baba” or self created monster as a last resort by their mothers.
Time and again we are told by our parent’s generation, that the kids of today are far more intelligent, mature and aware then we were at their age. This statement is no surprise, given the exposure and attention these kids receive.
Clever, perceptive, and socially adept, we need to channel the energies of this developed new breed towards constructive activities rather than helplessly watch them resort to adult bullying, house vandalism, and pet/china/and fellow children’s assault.
BBC’s super nanny is such sweet melody of peace, in this chaotic state of child upbringing affair. Imagine Super Nanny telling a couple in Johar Town, how its not ok that her son is chewing the sole of the house guests heel, how its not such a great achievement if your 4 year old knows all the dialogs of Spider Man 1, 2 and 3, how watching cartoon network non stop is not the best mental exertion, how its sometimes nice for kids to shut up and let some one else speak in the room, why being 24/7 on Mcdies/Pizza Hut and KFC is not the ideal nutritional diet and why Play Pens do not compensate for plain old simple bike riding on the terrace or the road.
We love our children, they are the joy of our present and the hope for tomorrow. They brighten our lives with their innocence, eagerness, and energy. So should their character building not be as pressing a concern as getting them the best of education, safety and health?
It is definitely time to transfer some of that assertiveness from your 3 year old within your self before we are trampled by millions of busy little feet on their way to Its-All-About-Me-Land.
I think this article should to floated to all the parents in our pretty little town. I for one was amazed at the type of cartoons my nieces and nephews were watching on CN (Ed, Edd and Eddy). And then parents are surprised by their kids new found interest in all things boogers!
BTW is it a good thing that the kids are so aware at such little ages, what happened to childish innocence?
Crazy little buggers aren’t they. I am going to be having my own soon so I will experience it first hand soon. I will give them a nice little beating if they cross me
Very interesting piece. What happened to Tom and Jerry? : (
Your article totally voices my opinion. I’m gonna have a big play ground, no TV, and zero junk food for my kids. It’s so sad watching my lil cousins staying inside all day long, playing XBox and not enjoying any ‘chupan chupai’ or ‘oonch neech’ outside.
Lolll…I watch that show when it’s on…it’s all very well, but ‘reality’ shows can only get u so far. I think one universal rule wud be to take away the television and the computer…and kids wud act, speak and look like kids, not hypnotized little zombies… and parents wud be forced to accept their responsibilities too. If only we all knew what was good for us.