Flies hovered around her wounded toe. Runny nose and dried phlegm that blocked one of her nostrils made her breathe uncomfortably. Yet, not a thing in the world would stop that 2 year old girl sitting blissfully on the sand heap from constructing castles out of it. One of the laces of her tattered frock suspending and another absconding,the red ribbon around that knotty and dry orange tinged hair were some of the many things that added to her unkempt appearance. As I was totally engrossed in studying her,I saw that she suddenly put a handful of sand into her mouth. Then came her sister, who was just standing close by watching kids play while still having an eye on her kiddo sister, to drag her out of the mess.
I did pity that small girl for being dragged on the graveled path by her elder, but not-so-elder sister, but how interesting a play for a 4 year old girl will it be to take care of a sister, young but not too younger to her? How often can she play that take-care-of sister-with-care-game without frustration when her peers are playing hide and seek in the vicinity.
Just recently in one of our chats, I told my friend that all women at some time of their life would become Montessori teachers but here that girl, who herself deserves a caretaker, is all set to take care of her kiddo sister when her parents are off to earn bread for the family.They earn. She helps them earn, or is she too earning her bread all too early? After all, relief that she gives her parents by burdening her tender shoulders comes for a cost, isn’t it?
4 comments:
tend to disagree a little...
every kid on the block, tries to emulate the parent when a younger sibling is born.. (set aside the sibling rivalry concept) .. As long as the child isnt asked to become a full time parent, or is made to do adult jobs like cooking and keeping the house or earn the day's meal.. I feel the situation would still be under control.. Being asked to mind the younger ones, is what every latch key kid does, and has been doing, even in affluent homes.. I feel it brings a sense of responsibilty at an early age.. And even little boys can be very responsible and protective of their younger siblings.. Dont see the connection between girls becoming montessori teachers...
A sense of responsibility owned up is quite a thing, but enforced is not so much a joy, right? From what it saw, it was more of a compulsion that the poor economic status that pushed the parents as well as the girl into the situation.
I was not of the opinion that boys would not be compelled into such situations, surely they are not left alone,poverty is so huge that it won't spare anyone.
Girls on becoming mothers do virtually play a role as montessori teachers for their kids, is what I meant.
Very thought provoking. There are two sides to it I guess, one being the economic condition that pushes the girl to the premature responsibilty and the other being not-so-poor kids turning responsible when there siblings are around.
Guess, its a natural growing curve.
Sanju
@sanju,
Welcome!
Yeah right,both scenarios exist, the former one a cause for pity and the latter one, a matter of pride.
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