Many believe that it is better to interfere as little as possible in children’s upbringing. They do not want to “impose” their own values or “correct their behavior” and even think that knowledge exams and any form of grading are wrong and can cause permanent harm. This is probably a reaction to previous exaggeration in education, when children were expected to be “seen, but not heard” and to be “tamed.”
There is no doubt that such strict upbringing and education have caused a lot of damage. But is it realistic to think that we can raise children without influencing them in this or that way? It seems to be a residue of “romantic” thinking – which is itself a reaction to enlightenment – according to which nature was considered completely pure, and the first negative consequences of human “interference with nature” have emerged.
It seems obvious that every living being has an inherent blueprint for development within itself, if circumstances allow, whether it be a plant seed, animal embryo, or human baby. Even human beings are not exempt from this, and they also “develop” from within to the outside. It seems obvious that every living being has an inherent blueprint according to which it will develop, if circumstances permit, whether it be a plant seed, an animal embryo, or even the process of mineral crystallization. Human beings are not exempt from this either and also “develop” from within to the outside. However, it is equally evident that living beings develop not only in accordance with their “inner nature” but also respond to external stimuli that help or hinder development, and can “bring out” a multitude of different characteristics. The environment has a tremendous influence on human beings and will produce different mentalities, emotional reactions, behaviors, inclinations, and aversions. This environment is no longer “natural”, it is “artificial” because it has been produced by humans, and we all bear responsibility for it, whether we are aware of it or not. We must be prepared to accept the “being that tries to emerge.” i}.
Not wanting to “interfere in the development of a human being” could simply be an unconscious fear of the immense power and responsibility we have as adults, and a feeling that it surpasses our abilities and knowledge. We don’t even know what is good or bad for ourselves, let alone for another person. Awareness of the damage we have caused to nature by thinking “we know what we are doing” makes us understandably cautious about our own power. However, complete passivity and non-involvement of parents and caregivers is not a solution and can have serious negative consequences on the development of young people.
We must be willing to accept the “being that is trying to emerge” from each individual, be active in supporting their growth and development, and guide them towards finding their own path and potential. It is through active participation and engagement that we can truly make a difference in the lives of others and in society as a whole.
Creating conditions that will help bring out the best in each of them and enable them to thrive in the environment they were born into is of utmost importance. We cannot escape that responsibility.
It is beneficial to be aware of the immense power of our mind and will, but instead of renouncing our power, we need to learn how to use it wisely.