The recent
tragedy has been an eye-opener for many. I’ve read so many news and thoughts
about recent events, but there were a few that truly made an impact personally
to me and I wish to pen it down here.
Firstly, I
agree that it takes a village (and a nation) to raise a child. I myself have
come across many many troubled teens in my clinical practice. Sadly, it isn’t a
matter of blaming the child nor the parents. We as a community too have failed
in helping to raise these children. How many times have we ignored or refrained
from saying/doing something to help children/teens who are bad-mannered, who
smoke, who seem to loiter around and making trouble, who are buying condoms from pharmacies
without any shame, and much more?
Secondly,
apart from actions to be taken by school administration and regulations by
authorities, we can do our part to help. Donate, and even visit/help out if we
can.
Thirdly, is
the sad state of our ummah. I have also seen many many sad stories from the
people that I meet in my clinical practice. From parents who themselves are bad
examples, to parents who have very limited options in raising their children
due to stressful living conditions. Ultimately, as parents, we need to focus on
raising a child with a good heart and strong faith as a priority, and not just
merely on academic.
“Biarlah
kita marah sekarang saat berulang kali suruh anak solat tanpa jemu, biarlah
berbuih mulut minta anak pandai pilih kawan, biarlah penat menjadi kawan kepada
anak walau kita penat bekerja di siangnya, biarlah anak kuno sekarang saat
diminta-minta beli handphone atau tablet, tapi jangan sekali-kali kita rasa
penat dalam mendidik mereka.”
The above quote stirred my heart, because I too, belong to one of those parents who are tired from working long hours. Sometimes when I come home my children even have to beg to play with me. I always tell myself that I need to play with them, be their best friend, because if they can't get the attention and love from us, they will seek love and attention elsewhere, and there are so many bad people out there that may take advantage of their innocence. So this message goes to all tired, working parents out there - be your child's best friend.
I hope that
as individuals, we can start by improving ourselves and our families first. If
we can change our family to be better and truly care for our neighbours and
society, all of us can make a difference, insya Allah. May Allah guide us all.
