PARENTS THE MAIN ROLE MODELS FOR CHILDREN

June is traditionally considered as the month of brides. But because of the upsurge in the COVID-19 pandemic—which some experts are claiming to be China-based biochemical warfare intended to make that country the world’s top economic superpower—weddings have been restricted to small gatherings. Whatever China did or did not do the pandemic has stopped the extravagant practice of even middle-class families borrowing money to spend millions on five-star hotel receptions for weddings. We hope that the virtue of simple weddings will continue even after the pandemic. We have heard the story of a young Indian couple who were given millions by their parents to have a grand wedding reception. The young couple prayed about it and decided to have a simple wedding while handing over all the millions of rupees to Mother St. Teresa’s congregation to look after thousands of destitute children in the congregation’s homes for the homeless.

Instead of brides and grand weddings, the United Nations has declared June 1 as the Global Day of Parents. In a statement, the UN says we need to appreciate parents throughout the world. Since the 1980s, the important role of the family has increasingly come to the attention of the international community. The General Assembly adopted a number of resolutions and proclaimed the International Year of the Family and the International Day of Families.

Emphasising the critical role of parents in bringing up children, the Global Day of Parents recognises that the family has the primary responsibility for the nurturing and protection of children. For the full and harmonious development of their personality, children should grow up in a family environment and in an atmosphere of joy, love and understanding. Designated by the General Assembly in 2012, the Global Day of Parents provides an opportunity to appreciate parents for their “selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship,” the UN says.

According to the UN greater support is needed for working parents as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Families bear the brunt of the COVID- 19 pandemic. As the anchors of the family and the foundation of our communities and societies, parents have the responsibility of sheltering their families from harm, caring for out-of-school children and, at the same time, continuing their work responsibilities. Without support from parents, children’s health, education and emotional wellbeing are at risk. By introducing family-friendly workplace policies and practices, companies and organisations will be in a better position to promote children’s safety and wellbeing and provide systematic support to employees.

The UN says that as the COVID-19 pandemic continues its exponential growth, the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the UN Women on family-friendly policies in a technical note relating to good workplace practices in the context of COVID-19 shows that it is essential to support working families to minimise negative consequences for children.

The UNICEF say the COVID-19 pandemic brings with it feelings like anxiety, stress and uncertainty and they are felt especially strongly by children of all ages. Though children deal with such emotions in different ways, if children have been faced with school closures, cancelled events or separation from friends, they are going to need to feel loved and supported now more than ever.

Giving some tips to parents and children, the UNICEF says they should be willing to talk. They would have already heard something about the pandemic. Silence and secrets do not protect our children. Honesty and openness do. Think about how much they will understand. Parents know them best.

Families remain at the centre of social life, ensuring the well-being of their members, educating and socialising children and youth and caring for young and old. In particular, family-oriented policies can contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals relating to doing away with poverty and hunger; ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages; ensuring educational opportunities throughout the lifespan and achieving gender equality.

According to the late American t e l e v i s i o n producer, Bob Keeshan parents are the ultimate role models for children. Every word, movement and action has an effect. No other person or outside force has a greater influence on a child than the parent.