By Viraj jit Singh
CMO, KidZania India
I am surrounded by friends who as parents are consciously checking their behavior in the presence of their children—they are either mindful of their conversation or check the way they conduct themselves generally. As parents, it is their duty to inculcate the right habits in their children, and the best way, indisputably, is by example. As someone who does not have children, and therefore first-hand knowledge of parenthood, I naturally endorse the belief thatit is only the parent who is the teacher.
This perception changed considerably through my interactions and observations of children visiting KidZania, as I realized that while we as adults are responsible to teach the right values, ethics, behavior, etc to our offspring, there is so much that we ourselves can learn from our children. In my close proximity to children here at KidZania, I have been fortunate to have observed the following three main Aspects which have made me stop and think.
Financial planning: As complicated as the term might sound, visit any KidZania and you will be amazed to see kids effectively putting this into practice. In the Bank Establishment, I noticed the kids carefully counting their kidZos (KidZania local currency) and safely keeping their hard-earned stash away. When I spoke to few of them, I realized that these kids were confident of exactly which activity was priority, how many kidZos they could earn by doing that particular activity, and finally how much they would need to save to pick up a merchandise of their choice from the department store. It would appear that the term ‘impulsive shopper’ does not apply to the little ones.
Curiosity: If you are a parent inundated by the variety of questions your little explorers ask, irrespective of whether or not you know the answers, you might agree with me regarding their unending curiosity and yearning to learn and grow. It is amazing how seriously these kids take their roles at KidZania. Recently I noticed a sevenyear-old playing the role of a police officer at the establishment, asking the ‘Zupervisor’ numerous pertinent questions which would help him solve ‘the case’. Another little girl working as a chef at the culinary school was curious to know why salt is always the last ingredient added during the cooking process. A confident child does not have a problem in asking questions, no matter how numerous or inane; it is a well-known fact that without questioning one cannot learn and progress. And so often, it is a child’s question that hits home and makes the adult stop and think, and makes him open his eyes to take a look from a different angle, and not take things for granted.
Being social: Many adults, especially introverts, find it nearly impossible to start a conversation with strangers in a new place. The fear of one’s ego of being judged makes a person tend to rehearse the scene multiple times in one’s head before approaching a group of strangers to strike up a conversation.
Remember the first day at your new job wondering who your co-workers will be, will you be accepted, etc. As children tend not to have ego problems, they work very well in groups. Just give them a task like dousing a building on fire by being the best firefighting team, and a bunch of four- to 14-year-olds will display tremendous teamwork! And most importantly, as children are innocent and unspoilt by the ugliness of the world, it comes automatically to them to treat other kids as equals. So parents, be open and willing to experience and encompass your children’s bold ideas, their creativity, their zest for knowledge, their ability to dream big. It will be an enriching and rewarding experience. Spend some quality time with your children before these unique teachers with a constant never-ending supply of fresh intakes on life and situations, grow up to ‘retire’ into adulthood.
Feedback: viraj.singh@kidzania.in
