It was back to school, as thousands of learners entered the classroom yesterday (19th) to continue with their education.
It was refreshing to see photographs of my nieces and nephews ready to tackle the new year.
My nine year old nephew was a little disappointed that the holidays are over. A few days ago he was asked whether he was ready for school – shoes polished, etc.
Obviously it was not done, in reality I don’t think any child prepares that much in advance to get ready for school.
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He was a little miffed at being asked, and did say, he was getting a little ‘angry’ that he was being ‘interrogated’.
Nonetheless, he looked all smart in his uniform, as he started grade 4.
I remember my school days, which was a long time ago, I sometimes polished my shoes in the morning, or when my mum stopped ironing my dresses back in primary school, as she wanted me to be responsible – I did that in the morning, too.
So, overall we shouldn’t be that hard on children today.
Especially now, as the past two years have been difficult on them all-round, as they had to put up with lockdowns and staggered learning because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Furthermore they had to deal with the wearing of masks, social distancing, limited contact with their friends – all of which are still very present at the start of 2022.
So, a little compromise won’t hurt in the long run.
I am not saying let them do as they please, but rather give them some leeway, as it is tough being in school right now.
Right now, no one is studying or working under normal circumstances. As much as there is talk about, ‘we should learn to live with the virus’, it’s not that easy.
How can ‘normal’ life continue when we are meant to avoid so many things to remain safe?
I don’t think anyone envisaged a pandemic in modern times which in hindsight should be a lesson well learnt, now that the virus has wreaked havoc around the world.
Going into the third year of the pandemic, I am trying to practise the 3 Cs – cool, calm, and collected. It’s not easy on most days, but I am persevering.
My simple tips for a hopefully worry-free year ahead, whether you are a student or in the working world:
* Be kind – it doesn’t cost much – if you speak harshly to someone, think about how he/she will feel.
* Listen – life is so busy that sometimes to stop for a moment and listen to a family member or friend is not possible, but take a few minutes to do so, it might make all the difference in the life of the other person.
Life is too short, so let’s us all compromise a little for each other.
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