SEC-S16/W3 - "Who has the strongest influence on children? Father, mother, teacher, siblings, or friends? "

I received no less than eleven invitations to participate in this contest so how can I not respond and write a post?

There are five questions I have to answer:

1. How does a father have a strong influence on children?
2. How does a mother have a strong influence on children?
3. How does the teacher have a strong influence on children?
4. How do siblings have a strong influence on children?
5. How do friends have a strong influence on children?

First, I could not decide if I should base the answers on my life or those of my children. It was only when I read the questions for the second time that I thought it best to answer them to the best of what I can remember of my life and in a positive manner, as life is already so full of negativity.

My father had his own construction company, but he was not shy about rolling up his sleeves and doing the work himself. He left home in the mornings when we were still asleep, but one thing was certain: Dad got home no later than 5:00 in the afternoon.
He was not the strict one in the family. In fact, we knew all too well how to twist him around our little fingers.

What made Dad special was the fact that he always had time for us. If it was not to cover our books or help with our school tasks, it was to play music for us or take us to the drive-in. Oh yes, and those Sunday afternoon window-shopping expeditions that ended with ice cream.

How did my dad influence my life?

He never missed one day of reading his newspaper, and from a very young age, he made us read it. Through his guidance, he influenced me to be hardworking, and trusted, to look after my money, and not be scared to try anything. Best of all, it was from him that I learned to be streetwise.

I do believe this is how fathers should influence their children.

Now this was a total different story. Mom ruled the house. If we were to be living in America, there would have been a “Twenty-eighth Amendment” that would state that moms have the last say.
She might have been strict, but she always made sure that we were looked after and only received the best with the little she had. She was also the one who sat many afternoons with us and our homework.

How did my mom influence my life?

Mom made sure that I always set high standards for myself, that education is king, and that you can go anywhere with a “thank you” and a “yes please.” She also taught me the values of being a family.

I do believe this is how mothers should influence their children.

We are three children, of which I am the oldest. It was always a big issue for me to be on the lookout for my brother and sister. I remember the one incident where a bully was calling my brother by name while we were on the bus going to school. It was not the first time it happened, and he had already received several warnings.

This time, he also pushed my brother down the aisle of the bus. We were riding in one of those articulated buses, also known as “slinky” buses, with seats where the two parts of the bus are joined. I got so upset that I pushed this boy, who was twice my size, between the seats and plate of the bus so that it could not turn.

I can also remember times when my brother and sister stood up for me. I can call them any time of the night for help, and they will always be there for me. They say you should never lend family money. Well, this is not the case in our family.

How did my siblings influence my life?

It is through my siblings that I have learned from a young age that we should have respect for each other, stand up for each other, and always support each other. Family matters!

I do believe this is how siblings should influence each other.

I was different from other children. I didn’t believe my teachers were the alpha and the omega. For me, it was my mom.
Make no mistake, I was very fond of my teachers, and I respected them in many ways. After all, most of my time in the week was spent with my teachers.

How did my teachers influence my life?

I can take my hat off to my teachers for bringing out the best in me. It was they who praised me, but in the same breath, they told me that I could do better. It was my teachers who challenged me. It was my teachers who helped me succeed and finish school on a high note. It was my teachers who gave me that push in the right direction.

I do believe this is how teachers should influence children.

I was once watching The Oprah Winfrey Show, and she said something along the following line; "Lots of people would like to ride with you in the limo, but what you want are those who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down."

It is not nice to be alone. We were not created to be alone. My friends always filled those gaps so that loneliness could not absorb me. My friends and the bonds we have found as children have had a huge impact on my life. We might not see each other regularly anymore, but our memories will be there forever and I know they will catch that bus with me.

How did my friends influence my life?

My friends were the ones who made me accept myself for who I am. They created a sense of belonging deep inside me. They were the ones who carried me through hard times in my life. They never judged me, and they accepted me as a friend without asking any questions.
They were there for every debate I had at school. They were the ones chanting my name when I was running. They were even the ones who would tell a white lie to my mother to escape punishment.

I do believe this is how friends should influence children.

Fathers, mothers, siblings, teachers, and friends all have the same influence and responsibility to guide and mentor children.

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