Happy Children's Day!

I was just reading my office mail today and there was an email sent to all the teachers talking about how we are role models - what is a role model and how do we exhibit such behaviour. This is what the email states,

"In school, each time as we step into class, about 40 pairs of eyes will be fixed on you. This may sound daunting but we do have a big impact on our students. As educators, we play the dual role of leader and role model to our students, as they look at us for inspiration and guidance. We need to provide them with the proper guidance to exercise their judgment accordingly.

It may take a long time to instill such values in our students, but we must remember that we need to be patient with them. As long as we show care and concern, they will understand and appreciate our efforts. We need to be sincere in our interactions with our students.

No matter what age group we are teaching, our students were once children. And children will listen."

As I read this mail, it not only serves us a reminder to me, as a teacher, but also to me, as a parent.

Like to share this song with you, describing the pride and responsibility of a parent. May this day be a day not only to buy toys for your children and make them happy, but to remind ourselves as parents of this responsibility in raising them up.

How do you say to your child in the night
Nothing is all black but then nothing is all white?
How do you say it will all be alright
When you know that it mightn't be true?
What do you do?

Careful the things you say,
Children will listen.
Careful the things you do,
Children will see.
And learn.
Children may not obey,
But children will listen.
Children will look to you
For which way to turn,
To learn what to be.
Careful before you say,
"Listen to me."
Children will listen.

Careful the wish you make,
Wishes are children.
Careful the path they take,
Wishes come true,
Not free.
Careful the spell you cast,
Not just on children.
Sometimes the spell may last
Past what you can see
And turn against you...

Careful the tale you tell.
That is the spell.
Children will listen...

How can you say to a child who's in flight,
Don't slip away and I won't hold so tight?
What can you say that no matter how slight won't be misunderstood?
What do you leave to your child when you're dead
Only what ever you put in its head
Things that your mother and father had said
Which were left to them too.
Careful what you say, children will listen
Careful you do it too, children will see and learn.
Oh!

Guide them but step away,
Children will glisten.
Temper with what is true
And children will turn,
If just to be free.
Careful before you say,
"Listen to me."
Children will listen...
Children will listen!
Children, children will listen