If we throw a negative set of words on a Child, then it will have an impact in the mind of the child and it gradually affects his/her later part of life. When the effect is adverse then it would lead to a irreversible catastrophe in the life of the child when he/she is grown up.
Recently I read an article by Dr.Anthony Fernando which inspired me to write this article.
In that article by him named "Limiting Labels" , there is a child(Jacob) and his father. On the Parent- Teacher's meeting conducted by Jacob's school, his teacher Mrs.Crater puts up an allegation to his father that "Jacob is a slow learner" in front of him. This left Jacob very much disappointed and the whole day he was feeling very bad of what his Dad would think of him. However his DAD chose not to speak of that until evening.
Later that evening, Jacob’s dad came into his room carrying a piece of paper and a pen.
He sat down on the side of the bed and said, “Hey Jake, I wanted to talk to you about what Mrs. Carter said today.”
Jacob thought he might still be in trouble for being a slow learner so he didn’t say anything.
“Mrs. Carter called you something today Jake, do you know what it was?”
“A Slow Learner” replied Jake who had already taken the words to heart.
“That’s right” said his dad as he wrote the words ‘Slow Learner’ on the piece of paper.
“Do you know what this says?”
“Slow Learner” replied Jacob nodding sadly.
Jacob’s dad then held up the piece of paper in front of his son and purposefully tore it into two.
Jacob’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Mrs. Carter was wrong Jake” said Jacob’s dad as he continued to tear the paper into smaller and smaller pieces.
“You’re not a slow learner.”
“I’m not?”
“No, and starting tomorrow, you and I are going to show that Mrs. Carter she was wrong, OK?”
“OK” Jacob hugged his dad, snuggled down into his pillow and fell asleep with a smile on his face and a warm glow in his heart.
From that day on, Jacob’s dad spent one hour per day helping Jacob with his reading and writing. By the end of the year, Jacob was doing much better at school and interestingly no-one ever labeled him a ‘Slow Learner’ again.
Jacob’s dad knew that when a child receives a label from a person in authority such as a teacher or parent, they often take that label to heart and it becomes a part of their self identity for the rest of their lives.
To avoid this from happening to his son, Jacob’s dad created a tangible representation of the ‘Slow Learner’ label and tore it up it in front of Jacob so that the label would not become a part of his child’s self concept.
From this story we have lot to learn. Whenever we speak to our friends or relatives again we must never use harsh words and instead of giving a 'LIMITING LABELS' to others we have to motivate and inspire others.
Have a splendid week.
Warm Regards
G.Vivek Venkatesh
