His mother was practically dragging him along. It was obvious she had woken him from a deep sleep. The time was 8:45 p.m. The tot was still in his school uniform, tired and weeping.
His elder brother, about seven years old, had their school bags strapped to his back and a small basket of vegetables in his hand. They were obviously heading home after a long day.
The children retire to their mother’s shop after school where they eat lunch, do their homework and even attend private lessons, even the four-year-old.
A woman seated with me in the taxi spoke first: “Ha! This is too much for these children. They are kids. The little one is practically sleeping on his feet.”
Another passenger chipped in: “Can you blame the mother? She has to work to feed them.”
I agree with both. None of us knew her financial or marital status, or the kind of job she does, but we all saw the struggle of those little ones, especially the younger child.
As much as parents, especially mothers, want the best for their children, it is important to consider the children themselves. Imagine a four-year-old still in his school uniform at 8:45 p.m., his mother practically dragging him along.
This is not peculiar to this family alone. You see many children going home with their parents very late at night.
It is rather unfortunate that parents must work, sometimes one, sometimes both, because of the economic situation we find ourselves in. But as parents, we should know there is a limit to what these children can take before they break down.
For instance, if your children have to come to your office or shop after school, please make provision for them to change into play clothes. There are also after-school care centres where children can rest, get help with their homework from caregivers, and have time to play.
Where parents cannot afford that, they should either make arrangements to get home early or create a safe corner in the shop or office where the children can nap, do their homework and play.
According to one of the women in the taxi, you would not be surprised if even the four-year-old had homework to do. It sounds funny, but it is the truth and the reality today.
These children stay back for compulsory lessons after school, and yet another lesson teacher is waiting for them at home or wherever they spend their evenings before their parents come to pick them up.
Ideally, toddlers and children need between 11 to 14 hours of sleep daily, but honestly, that is a mirage today.
A lot of times, working mothers are overwhelmed trying to juggle work and family, including caring for the children. Most complain that they cannot find trustworthy house-helps or nannies. What is the essence of employing someone you cannot trust with your children?
This notwithstanding, parents must work to earn a living.
What is the solution? An elderly man in the taxi suggested adequate child spacing, so that older children can help look after the younger ones. Parents should also teach their children responsibility for one another early enough, but not to the extent that they lose their childhood.
No matter how tight parents’ schedules are, remember that all you are doing is for these children. Do not lose them while trying to cater for them. A child is supposed to play, sleep and learn with ease. May God help fathers and mothers.
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