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THE UNIQUE ROLE OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS IN CHILDREN’S DREAMS
Kathlyn Q. Barrozo
Class of 1991, University of Santo Tomas
B.S. Medical Technology
We have been advised by many: LIVE YOUR DREAMS. That message has never gone out of style. No matter how
many interpretations there have been on the common dreams we have in our sleep, the dreams we have
within ourselves have definitely always counted more.
As parents to our children and teachers to our students, we are fortunate to be able to know firsthand what
our children and students dream of in their lives. That is one of the most wonderful surprises that come with
the job of being a parent or a teacher: you get a glimpse into the future somehow.
The minds we mold and the lives we are entrusted with hold limitless possibilities unto themselves. Someday,
those lovely children-or even mature adults-we take care of could become leaders or pioneers in their own
right. Whatever impact we create and however we affect them enable children to become who and what they
are in the future. The responsibility to rear or help rear them is tremendous. It is therefore upon us to make full
and optimum use of our functions as a parent or teacher to help them become all they have been meant to be.
Nobody’s perfect of course. As parents and teachers, we may not be able to fully comprehend our importance
in children’s lives nor be able to achieve perfection in whatever we do for them. But we must always try to
perform to the best of our ability so those under our care receive nothing less than the best care possible. We
need to challenge ourselves consistently so the children of the world and the future can become leaders whose
commitment to perfection rival only our own. The task is often difficult. Many of us will not even be able to
make it to set parameters. However, in the midst of all the uncertainty and the doubtlessness of defeat at every
turn, let us strive to become the guardians of children’s security. Our inability to rise up to the occasion will
lead to children’s perdition, to their failure. Although there are always exceptions, we need to always be
conscious of our roles in children’s lives. We need to be aware of the enormity of our duty as parents and
teachers in the making of the world’s future leaders and parents and teachers. We need to figure actively in our
children’s dream configurations in order for them to dream big despite starting small.
As we hold the hands of the world’s children firmly in our grasps, let us not forget that it is their tiny and
trusting hands that will eventually be the ones we will be holding on to in the twilight of our years. Let us
nurture the dreams of the world’s children so they can nurture dreams of their own future with us by their side.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1.
Why is the role of a parent or a teacher important in a child’s life and his dreams?
2.
How can certain parents or teachers suppress the dreams of children?
3.
If your own child wanted to be somebody you would never want him to be, how would you handle the
situation?
4.
In your own opinion, how can parents and teachers help nurture children’s dreams? Be as specific as
needed.
5.
When you were younger, what life’s dreams did you have that you have been unable to realize to the
present? Why is this so?