There was a discussion on this topic in P’s school parents’ whatsapp group. It started when someone shared an article which said we as parents have become more protective than ever before. Air conditioned buses to school, not walking in the sun, complaining about dust…. some of the things which our kids are so used to. The author of the article went on to say that she took local buses to get to school and went to local crowded places which helped her understand and be sensitive towards the lesser privileged society. She blames our current lifestyle for the way our kids are and questions our choices for this lifestyle if it’s desensitising our kids.

Where I do not completely disagree with her I also want to say that being sensitive or not is a very individual trait. Both my kids have the same upbringing but by nature I know my younger is a more sensitive and empathetic person. I can also say that kids learn from example. Have you complained that it’s too sunny outside to walk? Do you say it’s too dusty and polluted? They learn what they see. With our changing lifestyles, we ourselves have forgotten what it was like when we faced those hardships.

And of course they don’t learn what they don’t see. So unless at home you show some kind of empathy for the society or talk about some of the difficulties common people face, they won’t know. If you do some community service yourself, that’s when kids even realise that it’s our responsibility as privileged to help the lesser privileged. Talk about what and why you are doing. Involve them in some way or the other. You can even make it small. Start with your house help, or with other helpers.

Yes it’s true that our kids will not see the lifestyle we lived. Times have changed and luxury is more affordable now. When we were children having a chauffeur for your car, or living in a high rise apartment were luxuries only the very rich could afford. But now that’s different. It’s more affordable to live in a multi storied apartment complex. It’s more affordable to have cars and even middle class can afford it. And so it’s all the more our responsibility to make sure our kids get the right exposure. We are all making an effort here and hopefully we can make this world a kinder place to live in.

And I think it comes down to one more point. Gratitude. I’ve touched upon this before and I feel that everyone in this world should be grateful for what they have. Everyday just remember all the things you have and the people around you who love you and be grateful. Thank God or life or whatever it is that you believe in that you have what you have. Trust me it will make you a more content person and as you count your blessings, you also remember that there are many out there who don’t have all what you do.