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Some people think that it is parents who are responsible for teaching children
to be good members of society. However, some people believe that it is the
responsibility of schools and teachers. Who’s responsibility do you believe it
is?
Teaching children to become good members of society is extremely important
because children will become adults that influence our society in future.
Initially, the responsibility for teaching children falls primarily on parents as
they spend a great deal of time with children and are important role models. As
children grow older and attend school the influence of parents diminishes and
schools become an important part of children’s learning not just in academic
areas, but also in social behaviour. In this essay, the role of parents and
teachers in teaching children will be discussed.
The influence of parents on their children should not be underestimated.
Children spend the first years of their life almost exclusively with parents and
therefore parents have a profound influence on the development of children.
Throughout our lives people learn mostly by observing and listening to others,
so time spent with a child and influence are dependent. This teaching extends
across many areas including basic manners, showing respect and care for
others, teaching culture and convention and teaching skills including those that
are not taught in schools but are essential to succeeding in society such as
managing time, personal finances, using tools and even driving cars. Although
the influence of parents diminishes over time (this is a good thing as children
must eventually become independent) it is profound and is reflected in the fact
that people can often see mannerisms and behaviours in themselves that they
observe in their parents or children.
Teachers also play an important role in teaching children because children also
spend many hours in the care of teachers. The role of teaching children extends
far beyond teaching them subject material because school is the beginning of
independence and teachers guide students through that process. School can be
viewed as a small society, where students must navigate relationships without
the oversight of parents, and teachers, other students and the school
environment support this process. A key part of schooling is that students are
not just exposed to their parents but many teachers with different experiences
and views and this helps children broaden their worldview and become better
members of society. The influence of teachers can be measured by the large
number of people who can reflect upon their school days and remember a
teacher who helped change their lives for the better.
In summary, although in most cases parents exert the greatest influence on
children in becoming good members of society, teachers also play an extremely
important role. In fact, it is the responsibility of all members of society to
support the learning and care of children as they represent our future.