‐Dr. Buddhi Malla.
American Christian pastor, author, educator, and radio preacher has said “Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children”. This quote emphasizes the lasting impact of our daily actions and interactions on our children. Every moment, through our words, behaviors, and attitudes, we are shaping their memories, values, and outlook on life. These “deposits” into their memory banks accumulate over time, influencing their character and future decisions. It reminds us to be mindful of our influence, ensuring we nurture, support, and guide them with love, patience, and wisdom. Moral: As role models, our actions leave lasting impressions, so we must strive to create positive and meaningful memories for the next generation.
In the Hollywood movie Forrest Gump, exemplary parenting is showcased through Mrs. Gump, a single mother who inspires her son Forrest, a kind-hearted man with a below-average IQ and physical challenges. Despite being ridiculed for his intellectual limitations and needing leg braces as a child, Forrest achieves an extraordinary outlook on life, thanks to his mother’s unwavering love and motivational guidance.
Mrs. Gump instills confidence in Forrest, often saying, “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get,” encouraging him to embrace life’s unpredictability. She assures him, “You’re no different, Forrest,” empowering him to overcome his challenges and strive for greatness.
Key milestones in Forrest’s life include his discovery of a natural talent for running when bullies chase him, leading to the iconic moment he breaks free from his leg braces. His speed earns him a football scholarship, and later, he serves heroically in the Vietnam War, where he receives a Medal of Honor for saving his comrades. Forrest also becomes a successful businessman by founding a shrimp company inspired by his late friend Bubba’s dream and gains fame as a long-distance runner. Through perseverance and love, Forrest Gump highlights how a mother’s profound influence can shape a life filled with remarkable achievements and inspire resilience.
Someone once said, “Parenting is not about being perfect. It’s about being real and showing up every day with love and effort.” This quote highlights that parenting doesn’t require perfection but rather authenticity and dedication. It reminds parents that mistakes and imperfections are natural and an inherent part of the journey. What truly matters is being consistently present in a child’s life, offering love, support, and effort every day. By being genuine, parents can build trust and meaningful connections with their children, teaching them resilience and the importance of authentic relationships. This approach creates a nurturing environment where children feel valued and safe, enabling them to grow into confident individuals who understand that love and effort outweigh the pursuit of perfection.
The saying “As you sow, so shall you reap” reflects the idea that the effort you put into something determines the outcome. In the context of parenting, if you provide good parenting, characterized by love, support, and guidance, your children are more likely to experience progress and success in their lives. They will develop strong values, emotional resilience, and the skills needed to thrive. Conversely, poor parenting, marked by neglect or inconsistency, can lead to negative outcomes, hindering their growth and potential.
Good parenting fosters emotional, social, and cognitive growth in children. It provides a stable environment where children feel loved, supported, and valued, which boosts their self-esteem and confidence. Positive guidance helps children develop important life skills such as empathy, responsibility, and resilience, setting them up for success in adulthood. In contrast, bad parenting, characterized by neglect, inconsistency, or harsh discipline, can have long-lasting negative effects. Children may struggle with low self-esteem, emotional instability, and difficulty forming healthy relationships. They may also face academic or behavioral challenges, ultimately affecting their overall well-being and future potential.
In Japan, parenting emphasizes respect, discipline, and responsibility. Parents teach children the importance of harmony within the family and society, encouraging them to be considerate of others and contribute to the collective good. Japanese parents often focus on instilling values such as perseverance, humility, and gratitude. Children are taught to respect elders and adhere to rules, both at home and in school. Responsibility is emphasized from an early age, with children expected to help with household chores and maintain cleanliness. This culture of respect and discipline fosters strong social bonds and a sense of duty.
In conclusion, parenting plays a pivotal role in shaping a child’s future. As highlighted by the wisdom of an American pastor and the lessons from Forrest Gump, every action and attitude we display as parents leaves a lasting impression, shaping our children’s growth and worldview. Good parenting, rooted in love, authenticity, and consistency, empowers children to become resilient, confident individuals with strong values. Whether inspired by the nurturing culture of Japan or the motivational example of Mrs. Gump, the key takeaway is that we must strive to create positive, lasting memories. Parenting should be perceived as an investment in your child’s future. Each day, we deposit into the memory banks of our children, and by doing so, we either create valuable assets or liabilities that will impact our lives and theirs.
‐Author Dr. Buddhi Malla is a Banker.
