Fri | Oct 3, 2025

Letter of the Day | Support, not ridicule the children

Published:Friday | October 3, 2025 | 12:05 AM

THE EDITOR, Madam:

We need to start recognising that our kids need support, not ridicule. Our future hinges on them, yet there’s this annoying belief that these ‘modern youths’ are lost causes and that their generation is doomed. That mindset is not just wrong, it’s pretty sad. A lot of us seem to forget our own childhoods when we needed care and guidance to reach our potential.

Instead of pushing our youth aside, let’s actively give them the support they need and use all the resources available to help them grow, rather than writing them off too soon. We often think that when things get tough or don’t go as planned, the only solution is to dismiss them. The reality is our kids are smarter and more capable than we give them credit for. They’re independent thinkers who will naturally question the status quo. We’re not in an era of master-servant relationships any more; it’s all about collaboration and mutual respect now.

Now is the time for adults – especially parents and teachers – to be patient and adopt a mindset that embraces the idea that our kids need constant support and guidance. This means reminding them of their responsibilities while also empowering them to find solutions on their own. Having meaningful conversations with our children allows them to share their thoughts and ideas, creating an environment where creativity can thrive.

We need to move away from just punishing kids because we see them as disruptive or rude. Instead, let’s invest our time in understanding them and effectively communicating the consequences of their actions. By guiding them toward better solutions, we can help them learn important lessons. We must nurture their curiosity and creativity because we need them to have a critical and innovative mindset to tackle the challenges of the market.

Let’s stand together to support our kids with patience, understanding, and encouragement. Our future depends on it.

RICARDO SMITH