Roots Before Wings: Teaching Responsibility Before Freedom

 

Roots Before Wings: Teaching Responsibility Before Freedom. Raising a child isn't just the parents' job; the entire community takes on the responsibility of raising them. From caring for a child, imparting moral and spiritual education, to shaping them into a better, more responsible individual in society, no child can be raised alone. 

The entire community contributes in some way to shaping a child into a responsible citizen. Even though a child belongs to a single family, the responsibility of raising them lies with the entire village or community. Only then can a responsible citizen be born. This question must be ringing in your mind, and it should be. Caring for a child, protecting them, imparting moral education, challenging them, encouraging them, establishing a place in society, navigating change, offering advice when they fail in exams, and protecting them from evil are all the responsibility of the entire community; parents can never do it alone.

However, behind this achievement, I want to discuss the concept of "roots before wings." "Teaching responsibility before freedom" is a metaphorical phrase that emphasizes the importance of providing a solid foundation and a sense of responsibility ("roots") before granting complete freedom and autonomy ("wings"). The community is the creator of future leaders and provides rights and responsibilities to young people. Before giving wings, we must teach every child all kinds of responsibility. If one believes that no one has any intention of improving society, it is futile to fly in the sky of responsibility. It is crucial to build responsibility before flying. This article focuses on the need to provide a solid foundation and a sense of responsibility ("roots") before granting freedom and autonomy ("wings"). 

This concept is often applied to parenting, quality education, and personal development. It suggests that individuals need to learn core values, skills, loyalty, and accountability before they can successfully navigate the world on their own. "Roots" represent the guidance, structure, and moral compass that prepare a person for the challenges and opportunities of "flying" on their own, and it is our duty to give this child the "roots" of responsibility before they can fly.

Parenting and Child Rearing

"Parenting and Child Rearing" sounds simple, and every parent can do it. In this digital age, guiding children in the right direction and raising them to be responsible citizens has become a challenging task. In this fast-paced world, finding time for children is incredibly difficult. Many parents may not have spent quality time with their children. Eating meals together, watching movies, and discussing issues should become family rituals. Because parents will be gone, and the responsibility for the future will always rest on their shoulders.

 That's why I say that in raising children, "roots before wings" is essential, a guide to child-friendly parenting, and this is precisely what the principle says. "Roots"—teaching children discipline, respect, empathy, and the consequences of their actions—begins in the family. It starts with household chores, keeping track of money, respecting homework and boundaries, respecting elders, respecting women, participating in the uprooting of social evils, and even simple things that help strengthen their roots. For example, a child learns responsibility for cleaning their room, washing the floor after meals, and even washing their clothes, not leaving it to their mother or sister.

As children grow older, these "roots" include self-care through allowances or part-time jobs, financial responsibility, and managing their time. Children develop wings, meaning they are now capable of flying. The "wings" are the growing freedoms that come with age, such as a late curfew, a driver's license, or the ability to make their own choices about their future, marrying as they please, and understanding their rights. Without basic "roots," a child may struggle with "wings," and basic roots begin at home and in society. 

This can result in poor decisions, a lack of self-control, and a general inability to handle the complexities of adult life. The goal is to gradually loosen the parents' grip on the child as they prove they can handle more responsibility, ensuring they are well prepared for independence.

Education and Personal Development

I have repeatedly mentioned the importance of education, saying that it is the weapon that teaches a person to walk and distinguish between good and evil. Everyone's wings are clipped over time, but only proper education teaches them to fly in the right direction. Therefore, in the field of education, the "roots before wings" philosophy is the focus of this article on building a strong academic and moral foundation. "Roots" are the fundamental skills and understandings that students learn in school and college: reading, writing, and arithmetic. Education and personal development also include teaching critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills.

Every teacher is fulfilling their responsibility well, providing a structured learning environment, clear expectations, and guidance to ensure students master these fundamental skills. For example, a student must learn the basics of grammar and sentence structure before writing a complex research paper. The "wings" are opportunities for creative expression, independent projects, and self-directed learning. A student with a firm grasp of the "roots" is better able to explore their interests and make meaningful contributions and will not stumble. 

This concept also applies to personal development, where building a foundation of self-discipline, goal-setting, and emotional intelligence is essential before achieving one's personal and professional aspirations. Without this, nothing will be accomplished. Only then will one master the necessary prerequisites and earn the right to take on new challenges.

Leadership and Management

My parents saw a profound quality in me: they wanted me to be a social leader. They worked very hard to achieve this, and I am what I am today thanks to them and our community. They taught me about my responsibilities at home before I could fly. Every day, I was given a task to complete. If I missed it for any reason, I would have to answer for it in the evening. By doing this, I understand my responsibilities well and fulfill them. Today, I know how to fly with responsibility, and I will teach the same to future generations. I have a responsible task, and I can manage it well to complete it. So that I can handle any challenges that may arise in the future.

In leadership, "roots before wings" applies to how managers develop their team members, and any major task can be accomplished with the help of a team. "Roots" help a new employee develop the foundational skills, training, and expectations they need to meet. A manager's job is to first explain company processes, the specifics of the role, and the importance of accountability to their coworker. For example, a new team member is initially given straightforward tasks with clear deadlines and a set process. The manager provides ongoing feedback and guidance, ensuring the employee understands their responsibilities and that their work aligns with the organization's broader goals. A leader's job is to lead. If the manager doesn't understand the root of the tasks, how can tasks be accomplished?

"Wings" are the increasing autonomy and creative freedom given to the employee as they demonstrate their competence and credibility in their work. This could include leading a new project, taking on more complex tasks, or managing their team effectively. A leader who gives "wings" too early risks creating a chaotic and unproductive environment. By first establishing strong "roots," the manager then empowers their team to innovate and succeed independently, knowing they have a solid understanding of the company's values ​​and operational framework. This approach fosters a culture of trust, efficiency, and competence.