16/06/2019
_TEACH YOUR CHILDREN THAT PEOPLE MATTER_
A few days ago we had a plumber in our home and he was shocked that the children were giving him a helping hand. And he couldn't help but echo these words, "Madam, God will bless you for treating people like human beings."
The last time we had a party at home, that was just a few days ago, by the way, the event planner came with her boys to decorate our home and I insisted the children will also help. She had to gift my daughter with a hair band, she was wowed.
While we sat to have a chat she said, "Ma, you are about the first person I am working for that would welcome me this way and treat me like a friend. I have worked for many people and they seem to look down on me; most times in their words, expecting that because they paid me I have become their slaves. I must say you are just exceptional."
While the food was being served to our guest at that party, the children were involved in serving food, helping to the dish and all.
Someone walked up to me at the party to say, "Your daughter is so homely and hardworking, how did you achieve this? Can I send my daughter over, I love what I see." My daughter is only 9, she slept at about 11 p.m that night because she needed to sweep and mop the sitting room. We had adults at home but we were all involved.
We have a very popular theme in our home: There are no slaves here.
We run a business, and whenever the children come to our business premises, they help the janitor to clean because it can be anyone's job.
Growing up, I saw my dad help labourers who were building his house carry sand and block, some of them eventually became his friends and did other projects for him.
We shop for food stuff in a bush market somewhere close to Abuja. I have friends there who are vegetable sellers and my children know my friends cut across board.
I am raising individuals who don't treat people according to what they do or how they look.
I am intentional in my moves as a parent, I don't just say, I look for practical ways for the children to experience it. .
The last time I saw a post that said, "Teach your children to treat the cleaner the same way they treat the CEO."
My question is are we really teaching them?
We say these things and do the opposite.
I see the way people treat their help and other domestic workers in their homes with so much disdain and I cringe. Someone said it's easy to spot the house help in a gathering - just look for the only person among the family carrying all the bags, being shouted on or wearing some kind of different clothing.
Someone comes to work in your house and you talk to him/her like a slave just because you are paying him/her.
Dear Parents,
The truth is; your children are learning, whether you are teaching them intentionally or not. Children are created "learners". When you don't teach intentionally, other people and things will teach for you.
They learn from what we do and what we do not do; either way, they just learn.
How intentional are you?
Enjoy your day as you reflect on this. God bless us all and God bless Nigeria
