Fatimah: Wrong to leave teenagers alone

KUCHING: Parents must keep encouraging and supporting their children right into their teen years, lest they go astray.

In giving this advice on Saturday, Minister of Welfare, Women and Family Development Datuk Fatimah Abdullah noted that many parents tended to let go of their teenagers, erroneously thinking that they were matured enough to face
all challenges.

“Parents usually support and monitor the progress of  their children at kindergarten and primary school levels, but many forget that they have to continue doing so for their teenage children,” she said at Bodhi Kindergarten’s 30th anniversary concert dinner at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre here.

“Adolescents need encouragement and support from parents as well for when we stop doing it sometimes problems occur.”

Fatimah stressed that children learned not just from their teachers and peer groups, but also parents.

“Parents must be good role models because our children learn from us. They learn from the environment and surrounding as well, which makes it vital to ensure they are exposed to the right kind of people and media.”

She added that learning “takes place anytime and anywhere”, and not merely in the classroom.

“Your presence tonight goes to show that you are supporting the education process of your children. It is meaningful to your children who realised they mean most to you,” lauded Fatimah.

“This concert is not just a time for children to showcase their talents, but a platform for them to communicate with
each other and learn about teamwork, leadership, arts and culture. Education can be done through fun-learning too.”

Fatimah said she was pleased that Bodhi Kindergarten, under the management of Kuching Buddhist Society, had been offering pre-school education for some 30 years.

“It is the good work and co-operation of teachers that give parents the confidence of sending their children to Bodhi Kindergarten that is growing stronger and stronger.”