The adage ‘children learn what they live’ underscores the profound influence of early environmental exposure on their development. From birth to age five, children are highly impressionable, absorbing and mimicking the behaviors and language they observe. This formative period shapes their adult conduct, making it imperative for parents to model appropriate behavior. The 1979 calypso ‘Think About the Children’ by Merchant remains strikingly relevant today, as it highlights the societal decay marked by violence, intolerance, and disrespect. Merchant’s plea to parents Betty-Lou and Sam to foster a stable and nurturing home environment resonates deeply in our current context, where many children are exposed to harmful behaviors. He urged parents to prioritize their children’s welfare, warning that neglecting this responsibility would lead to a generation of maladjusted adults. Today, the prevalence of such neglect is evident, with teachers and the state increasingly tasked with mitigating the emotional and psychological damage inflicted on young minds. The societal reflection on this issue is crucial, as the undisciplined and violent behavior of children often mirrors the actions of adults, including leaders who engage in vitriolic political discourse. The normalization of aggression and hostility in public spheres, amplified by instant communication, sends a dangerous message to impressionable children. Teachers frequently report instances of children mimicking inappropriate adult behavior, underscoring the need for a societal moral overhaul. Addressing this issue requires collective responsibility, as schools alone cannot rectify a problem rooted in broader societal failures. To truly care for our children, we must reevaluate and elevate our moral standards, ensuring behaviors and attitudes that foster their proper upbringing and socialization.
