Don’t Underestimate the Child

My one-and-a-half-year-old grandson loves cars, trains, and airplanes like many other children. So, we bought an illustrated book, thinking it was about rockets, but it was actually about the solar system. The book had a pull-out rocket, but I was worried that it would not be enough to keep him interested for long. However, as I started talking to him about the sun and how the planets orbit around it, I noticed that he was listening with rapt attention. I explained how rockets help us travel to other planets and what astronauts look like. However, his focus left me bemused.

Later, I played a song for kids called "There Are Eight Planets" on YouTube. To my surprise, my grandson was fully engaged in the song and seemed to pay close attention when each planet sang about its unique features. I was impressed that he continued showing interest in planets and space even after that day. This experience left me wondering: do we underestimate children's capacity to understand complex ideas? Do we know what they imagine when we try to explain things to them? But then, does it matter? We should keep exposing them to experience and sharing knowledge; they will observe and learn.

On the occasion of Children’s Day, I wish all people to spend time with children, share knowledge and experience, it is fun-filled and enjoyable.