Mar 16 2010
Mrs X, a mother of four, questions if we need a nation of well-rounded kids
If you want fatted goats, feed them well in a comfortable, confined space. Better still, have someone provide deep, relaxing massage while they lie stationary, listening to calming piped-in music – that way the exercise is done for them, on them. We’ll do what’s good for them while they in turn do what’s good for themselves – ensuring quality meat supply.
Look around you and tell me what you see. Why do we even need well-rounded kids (sic)?
What we really need more of are happy, well-adjusted children.
Of course, it would be nice if they could be obedient and respectful. Who wouldn’t adore children who are mentally resilient, morally upright, capable of independent thinking and clear speech, ready to take the initiative and trusted to lead? In fact, give us children with a smidgen of talent, and we parents will propel them ‘towards complete world domination’. (Jason Johnson NPOS 14Mar2010). .
Isn’t the notion of ‘well-rounded kids’ rather achievement-oriented? It sounds disturbingly like another phase of the production line. Is this another ingredient now deemed necessary for a smooth-going economy?
If you want to help our children, then do something decent, help them to live. Help them cope with this changing world and to stay grounded. This must start at home, with the family. Get this fixed.
Be careful our quest for well-rounded kids doesn’t result in stunted growth all round.
Mrs. X, who prefers to remain anonymous, is a mother of four. She sees little sense in the structure of the local education system and strongly believes that good, all-rounded education should begin at home.
