The Message We Send To Children

Waiting for my appointment at the hairdressing salon, I was watching an enchanting little boy having his hair cut. Sitting on a very high chair, especially for young visitors, the boy couldn't have been more than five or six years old. He sat bolt upright, confident and watched closely in the mirror facing him, as the locks of soft brown hair fell to the floor with every careful snip of our very skilled hairdresser.

A young woman beckoned me towards the washbasins to wash my hair, and this was the first moment the boy noticed me. His eyes intently followed my slow shuffled movements in the mirror. Once my hair had been washed, wrapped up in a towel, I made my way to the chair next to the little boy. I looked towards the boy and smiled, but was appalled to be met by a disdainful expression, and from his now uncomfortable composure, he was quite anxious to finish his haircut as quickly as possible. As soon as the plastic cloak was removed, he slipped off that high seat with the speed and agility of someone who was intent on making a quick get away. He clung to his mother's side for safety whilst keeping a watchful eye on me, as they hurriedly left the salon.

I didn't feel hurt, for how can you be hurt by such a young child who lacks the education and understanding that his parents are solely to blame for. Teaching children to accept and treat everyone as equal, no matter what religion, race or in my case someone with a disability, is an important lesson a child carries with them through life. So even if we give the parents the benefit of the doubt, in unwittingly passing on their own prejudices, what an unhealthy and unsavoury inheritance.

This was a most unusual incidence, as normally I'm met with straight questions from curious children with healthy inquiring minds, which I am more than happy to answer. Once a child understands a situation, reassured they are then at ease. Children can teach us many a thing with their honest view of the world, uncomplicated by adult thoughts and the baggage we all carry. Looking at life through a child's eyes everything looks so much brighter, boundless energy, hope, endless inquisitive excitement and an innocence that once lost is sadly never regained. We should teach our children well for they are the future!

If you'd like to read my latest article, it's up on-line at The Huffington Post.