Education is not an individual affair; in fact, it is a transformation. Education starts from Womb and ends at tomb. Its journey from cradle to grave shapes a person’s persona, psyche, outlook and self portrayal. Upbringing shapes the contexts and the conditions in which a child gets educated through various means. Parents form an indispensable part of the early education for a person. It is amply evident from the impacts the early education has on the person’s formative years.

Charlie Chaplin & the anecdotes from his childhood:

Let us have an overview of one of the biggest famed & gleeful personas i.e. Charles Chaplin. Charlie Spencer Chaplin was born in London, England on April 16th, 1889. His father was a versatile caroler and actor, and his mother, known under the stage name of lily Harley was an attractive singer who achieved recognition and honor for her work in the Light Opera field. She has health issues and during of her performances her voice broke down and young Charlie had to take her place on the stage. This set the stage for grooming of the showman in young Chaplin. Unfortunately, Charlie was left to his own device before he reached the age of ten as the early expiration of his father and the subsequent worsening of his mother’s health made it inevitable for Charlie and his brother (Sydney) to fend for themselves. Having bequeathed natural flair from their parents, the youngsters took to the stage as the best opportunity for their career. There was a Juvenile group which used to tour musical halls in Britain. They were known as “the Eight Lancashire Lads”. This was the platform on which professional debut of Charlie took place. It gained rapid recognition because of him getting non popular favor as an outstanding dancer.

It is a widely acknowledged truth that there are parents behind every accomplished and successful child grown into adult who is led to this status in life by dint of their inspiration. Their constant endeavor and encouragement pave the way for the child for a new light which brings a new turning point in the life of a person who even occasionally is persuaded sympathetically and urged to start a novel and an objective oriented era in the wake of changing circumstances. Fully supported for his/her (child) cause, he /she will definitely put himself/herself into that arena to test his/her prowess and simultaneously making headway towards the desired goal. However difficult the passage may be, that does not matter, what matters is that the grown-up child does not leave any stone unturned for the realization of his/her triumph.

Piaget’s theory of cognitive development:

Development of a child has cognitive, social, intellectual and social angles to it. Children grow & burgeon rapidly in their first five years across the four Cardinal areas of Development. These areas are motor (physical), language & communication. Cognitive development means how children develop their thinking, perception of the world around them, explore and figure out things. Let us illustrate this by touching upon the concept of Jean Piaget’s theory of Development.

Piaget’s theory of cognitive development suggests that children move through 4 different stages of mental development. This theory focuses not only on understanding how children acquire knowledge, but also on understanding the nature of their intelligence. There are four Piaget’s stages of cognitive development. The stages include Sensorimotor stage (Birth to 2years), Preoperational stage (2-7 years), Concrete operational stage (7-11 years), and Formal operational stage (12 and upwards).

Parenthood:

Parenting and child development go clasping hands together. The proverbs like the apple does not fall far from the tree and that the branch grows as the twig grows can well expound the reflection of parenting styles on child growth and development. Parents play the chief role in the holistic development of their children. It is the right counseling and advice of parents that evolves the character of the child. Parenting is an incessant job. It is not something you can get away from once the time comes with the arrival of baby. When children are growing up, the constructive parenting improves their cognitive, social and problem-solving skills. Positive parenting also affects their responses and helps them grow up to be better humans. World Health Organization states that more backing and supporting in decision making by parents is essential for the emotional and mental wellbeing of the child. “Mental health” is defined by WHO as a state of well being in which every individual realizes his own potential, can cope with the normal stress of life, and can work productively and fruitfully. WHO is appealing to all its member states to escalate their support for mental health services.

Spirit uplifting:

There is an obvious impulse behind the making, developing and growing of a child who owes his/her greatness to the concerned parents whose mortal and distinctive force as a mother and a father impels that particular child to reach the zenith of glory. Without their sincere help and guidance, it would have been impossible for the child to touch the heights which enabled him/her to explore a vista of a new existence, which is ever inspiring and ever prolific. Quite a few individuals in this world were born with a silver spoon. There are multitudes here whose lives were full of deprivation, strenuous tussles, failures and impoverishment to begin with. But by some means with their perseverance, diligence, abilities, confidence and relentless attitude they turned their stars and destinations.

Our country has also given parturition to such eminent people whose lives and expeditions have been coercing the world time and again to look towards India with admiration. Let us discuss some of these gigantic Indian personalities. Dhirubhai Ambani once stressed on the importance of persuasion of one’s goals despite the adversities and converting the adversities into opportunities. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam had stated that man needs difficult times in life to truly enjoy the success. Vivekananda, famous for his 1893 Chicago speech at the World parliament of religions have time and again stressed upon the importance of parenting behind a happy, mentally sound and prosperous child.

Love, given by parents as a mother and as a father, is unforgettable and it leaves an indelible impression on the heart of child. Love of parents is selfless and so intrinsically profound that it awakens, enlivens and puts a new life into the dead bones of turbulent, insolent and callous minds. Most of the times in their early years, a child spends in the lap of his/her parents. Therefore, it is imperative; to understand that whatever perception the child has about the world and people around her/him is affected by his/her parents. The child gets to learn about the basic ways of life from his parents. Persistent association with concerned parents leaves a perennial trace in the ushering of child’s budding life.

Shivaji, the great Maratha became a warrior in his life. He tried his best to break the shackles of his motherland. In his childhood, his mother colored his mental space with patriotic fervor and zeal which later on proved to be a drive for him to free his country from the bondage and slavery of foreign powers. His mother Jija Bai was a constant source of inspiration for his actions and thus it was his parent who irradiated his life with the love of his own country. Besides, the great men like Napoleon, George Washington and Mahatma Gandhi were deeply indebted to their parents for training and inspiration they received in their childhood.

Contemplations and introspections by Dalai Lama:

In the book “Art of Happiness” by the 14th Dalai Lama, he brings into light the purpose of life which encompasses his teachings on the right to happiness, the Source of happiness and how to train the mind for happiness. Dalai Lama attributes much of his success learning stories to his mother. He believes she was the first cornerstone to achieve his milestones in life. His spiritual highness gained an understanding of compassion which he visualizes as the most important part of raising a healthy family and that means health and happy humanity. The Tibetans in exile organizes a soccer Tournament called the ‘ Gyalyum chenmo cup”, the biggest sports event in the Tibetan banishment, to honor the His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s mother. This is of one the ways to honor the mother of the family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of mother in society.

Essential understanding:

All the above examples illuminate on us that parenting forms a very indispensable part of any person’s life. The early formative years guide the entire life in terms of the direction taken by the child, the decisions taken by him/her, or the friends he/she chooses to be with. Parenting not only has the potential to change a child’s destiny but also the fate of the society of which that child goes on to become a part. Thus, parenting is crucial in deciding the emotional and mental wellbeing of a child, his happiness and overall success and can have a bearing on the future of the group, organization, and world of which the child becomes a part in the future. It cannot be said enough parenting is central, though acknowledging the child autonomy is important as well; to say the least, children learn more from what you are than what you teach.