The childhood games we played and enjoyed hold great memories. Of course it was a learning place and space too. What games did we play? We clapped our hands, we run and fell, jumped, skipped and shouted, hid and got found, laughed and sang, climbed trees and fell out, cried and wiped our tears, got up and played again, agreed and/or disagreed with each other, got into little squabbles or fights with each other, and made up within minutes because we needed a friend to play with. In the background, there was always parents and adults keeping their wise eyes over us.
All in all, it also taught us to learn to relate to each other and people in general, to love others like we love ourselves, have empathy, be sociable and fair, independent, practice peaceful resolution of conflict, teach and share, look out for each other, be confident and strong, be inspired and have vision for a better future.
Nowadays I pray and hope every generation accommodates its young to have a childhood resembling this. Even amidst this digital age, its our duty as parents, adults and legislators to give them a place and space that’s not behind bars..
Now, right now let’s not waste time and their childhood by turning our heads and looking the other way because we would be and we are doing them an injustice.
Let’s be Good Parents, Good Samaritans and Good Mentors.