In a powerful reflection on modern parenting and education, global spiritual leader and humanitarian Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, popularly known as Amma, has highlighted a critical shift in how we treat young children. She contrasts the traditional approach, where schooling began only at age five, with today's trend of enrolling children in nursery schools as early as two and a half years old.
The First Five Years: A Sacred 'Womb of Love'
Amma proposes a profound philosophy for early childhood. She emphasises that until children turn five, they should be shown only love and their freedom should not be obstructed. Their primary job should be to play as they wish, with adults ensuring their safety from hazards like fire or ponds.
"Just as they lived protected in their mother’s womb for nine months, for the first five years after their birth, they must remain protected in another womb—a womb of love," Amma states. Even when correcting wrongdoing, it must be done with extreme affection, preserving the child's world of innocence where they "grow up telling stories to flowers and butterflies."
The Modern Trap: Caged Birds and Parental Stress
However, Amma observes that the current reality is starkly different. In the name of education, an unbearable burden is placed on children—far more than they can carry. When they should be playing with friends, they are trapped in classrooms "like birds in cages."
The competition starts shockingly early, with parents becoming stressed if their child does not secure first rank starting from lower kindergarten. This anxiety translates into increased pressure on the children. Instead of learning from their children's innate innocence and joy, parents often drag them into the adult world of competition and frustration.
Amma illustrates this disconnect with an anecdote: two neighbour children had a minor fight, leading to a major argument between their mothers, then fathers and neighbours. While the adults were embroiled in conflict, the children were found happily playing together, having forgotten the fight entirely.
Beyond Degrees: The Need for Culture and Wisdom
The spiritual leader questions the ultimate purpose of education. While modern education enables degrees and well-paying jobs, she asks if it grants lasting mental peace. Amma warns that without inculcating cultural and spiritual values alongside academic learning, society risks fostering 'Ravanas, not Ramas'.
She acknowledges that material knowledge has superseded spiritual awareness in importance today and that turning back the clock is futile. The crucial task is to move forward while protecting the remnants of good culture.
The Path Forward: Showering Love and Instilling Values
Amma's solution centres on conscious parenting and holistic education. Parents must shower children with love and affection while actively inculcating values and good culture. The goal is to nurture an awareness in children that there are more important life goals than mere rank and competition.
"Our children will become aware of dharma and good habits will naturally grow in them. They will be able to overcome any temptation life may throw their way. They will be able to survive," she affirms. Amma believes that this approach can gradually uplift society and lead to progress in all areas, creating individuals who are not just successful but also wise and compassionate.
