[dropcap]T[/dropcap]here were two men living next to each other. One of them was a retired teacher (John) and another was an insurance agent (Festus) who had a lot of interest in technology.
Both planted different plants in their gardens. John gave small amounts of water to his plants and didn’t always give a full attention to them, while Festus gave a lot of water to his plants and always looked after them well.
John’s plants were simple but looked good. Festus’ plants were much fuller and greener.
One night, there was a heavy rainstorm. Next morning, both neighbors came out to inspect the damage to their gardens.
Festus saw that his plants came off from the roots and were totally destroyed. But John’s plants were not damaged at all and were standing firm.
Festus was surprised to see it. He went to John and asked, “We both grew the same plants together, I actually looked after my plants better than you did for yours, and even gave them more water. Still, my plants came off from the roots, while yours didn’t. How is that possible?”
John smiled and said, “You gave your plants more attention and water, but because of that they didn’t need to work themselves for it. You made it easy for them.
While I gave them just an adequate amount of water and let their roots search for more. And, because of that, their roots went deeper and that made their position stronger. That is why my plants survived”.
Moral: This story is about parenting where children are like plants.
If everything is given to them, they will not understand the hard work it takes to earn those things. They will not learn to work themselves and respect it.
Sometimes it’s best to guide them instead of giving them. Teach them how to walk, but let them follow their path. Don’t give them fish, but teach them to fish.
Some teenaged children have never ridden in commercial vehicles or know the different bus stops because they are chauffeured everywhere they go. So many can’t wash their own clothes as there are nannies and househelps catering to their every need.
Muhammad Ishtiaq Khan, is an assistant Business Manager/Learner/Student of Personal Development and Motivation/Love to Help and Motivate People.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
