In Europe, responsibility for children's behavioral disorders and learning outcomes—such as those assessed in PISA studies—has largely been placed on early childhood education and schools provided by municipalities. However, this is only part of the truth.
In reality, the upbringing work done by mothers and fathers in their early years is crucial, as it shapes children's behavior and learning at school, and affects them throughout their lives.
Unfortunately, the role of parents is not sufficiently emphasized, nor are ways to support them considered. For example, parenting schools could provide valuable help with the challenges of upbringing.
The values learned in the first years of life form the foundation for the future. Respect for others, self-respect, a sense of self-worth, resilience in the face of disappointment, trust in mother and father, tolerance, patience, and forgiveness are all essential skills that help children succeed in the "school of life." Without these fundamental skills, life’s challenges can become overwhelming.
Parenthood also offers adults the opportunity to develop the skills they themselves learned in childhood. Experience is often a more effective teacher than book knowledge. Setting boundaries is a crucial part of parenting, as a society without limits cannot function. Wise discipline is not punishment but caring and love.
Young people seek meaning in life through travel, hobbies, work, material wealth, and power. Unfortunately, none of these alone provide lasting satisfaction. True meaning in life comes from helping others, building a just society, and raising children, as these actions leave a lasting, positive link on the hearts of others.
The school of life can be ruthless, but it is also a unique opportunity to learn and grow. In a perfect society, this would not be possible. Difficulties are challenges, illnesses teach us to value health, and evil makes goodness visible. It is our task to choose which side we will take - me first or let's do it together.
Children are the cornerstone of our society’s continuity and progress. In the past, they were a form of security for old age; and even today, the future of society depends on children full of vitality and joy. Pet dogs will not pay future pensions.
It is advisable to have children while young, as a woman's fertility begins to decline after the age of 20. It's not worth waiting because love is more important than material abundance.
Life is inherently unequal. Some are born beautiful, others handsome; some are gifted with intelligence, strength, health, musical talent, or eloquence. Some are fortunate to have loving parents, while others must survive without support. Financial background also affects opportunities for success.
Thus, the claim that "believing in yourself allows you to achieve anything" is misleading. Self-belief is valuable, but realistic backup plans are essential, as chance and circumstances always play a role.
Success requires talent, perseverance, the support of others, and above all, luck. In competitions like The Voice, everyone dreams of becoming a world-class star, but only a few actually achieve it. Dreams should be nurtured, but it is also important to find joy in life’s small moments.
Fortunately, the final certificate of the school of life does not compare us to others but rather assesses how wisely we have used the gifts we have been given. We have succeeded if we have done our best.
An architect who designs a beautiful building, a cleaner who keeps it cozy, and an engineer who ensures its maintenance are all just as vital to society as the great names of history—Leonardo da Vinci, Ludwig van Beethoven, Albert Einstein, and Martin Luther King.
Antti Roine, Ulvila, 10 March 2025
This is a "Viewpoint" opinion column. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or position of The Helsinki Times. This column is not fact checked and HT is not be responsible for any possible inaccurate or incorrect statement in this article.
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