Unhealthy competition

I was at a gathering were some women were discussing about their kids. Their kids are moving to the
next class but they are of the opinion that their kids are extra-ordinary in the things they do and should
be giving double promotion and not just moved to the next class.

In my mind I was thinking, “if your ward is that good like you claim, the school authority would have
called your attention to it and even the class teacher would have made the suggestion to the
headmistress.” Well, since I felt saying this won’t go down with them I was quite.

Here is my opinion on the issue: what is the rush? These kids are not three yet and I think they should
not be pushed, if they are extra ordinary you can’t hide it for long. No one lit a candle and put it under
a chair then expect it not to burn.

I went to market my Oriflame Perfume to a family friend in his office, while we were talking, I asked
after his son and he told me his son was going to JSS 1. I was shocked because I know the boy is in
primary 4. The father said school authority called him, advising him to allow his son write common
entrance but he felt it was too early, however, he gave his consent and the boy wrote the exams. He
was overall best beating primary 5 and 6 pupils to it.

The father doesn’t have a choice but to buy JSS1 form for his son. I was proud of his son and even the
father because when his son was a baby he would teach the boy maths and English and I felt the
drilling was too much for a baby but today, the drillings paid off. Now, this not what I am talking
about, I am talking about Parents who push their children beyond their capabilities.

Pushing your ward to the next class or asking for a double promotion as a parent when the child is not
fit for the next class is wrong.
Life experiences has taught me a lot, even the holy scripture say the race is not to the swift,
knowledge to the men of wisdom but time and chance brings it to pass. I have seen a graduate with
pass (1.2) who heads a company now not because his parents are financially buoyant but because
opportunity presented itself. I know a third class that is working with the Federal government and
travels all round, Federal government sponsors her trip and she is acquired more knowledge now than
a first class graduate.

I have seen people who went to school, I mean university at 32 years of age and they are now
professors, their mates who had it early in life are nowhere but now call them for financial assistance.

I have seen people graduate from the university at the age of 19 and got a job at age 30. My friend has
his PhD at 26 and he is doing well, I equally know a lady who receives #700,000.00 and she is 24
years old. All these things vary, as parents we need to be guided.
Sometimes a child is pushed leaving his or her mates behind but when the decision to live life is
presented before them, they make mockery of their present stage in life. While some follow the good
path others are misled. Those who are misled may never be restored to their rightful place while
others are lucky and can be saved.

May we as parents at all times seek wisdom when it comes to our children and not follow the
bandwagon effect.