I am a single mother raising a child. My child has hearing problems, is slow to understand words, and has difficulty speaking clearly. When he starts elementary school next year, I wonder whether he should attend a regular class or a school for the deaf. I am also considering the school’s opinion, and am struggling with this. (Woman in her 30s)
A
Of course, which school your child will go to is important for their life. However, what is even more important is how to bring out their strengths, their “strength to contribute to society (unmei).” Everyone has the same power of unmei, regardless of whether they have a disability or not. Therefore, let’s guide our children so that they can have confidence that they are born with good points and abilities.
When your child starts elementary school, their sense of self will begin to emerge. It is important to listen carefully to your child’s thoughts without comparing them to others and to keep up with their development. On top of that, tell them lots of love by saying things like, “You have these good points,” “You’re your mother’s treasure,” and “Your father was a kind man, too.”
If we compare a mother and child to a tree, they are the trunk and branches. Because they are connected at heart, it is very important to make an effort to ensure that your feelings do not waver. If you are a single mother, it is even more important not to bear too much on your own, but to consult with your parents.
If the parents’ minds are stable, the children under their protection will also not become unstable. No matter what the environment, they will be able to demonstrate their strengths and grow up freely.
The parent’s role is to support their child’s life.
To avoid the strength of unmei from withering, it is the parent’s responsibility to make the most of the principles of life and make use of them in the family environment and raise the child.
In an environment where they interact based on the teachings, jittai of human beings are elevated; all people can walk their life in merge with the unmei.
When interacting with the school, you should carefully convey your thoughts, such as your hesitations and anxieties, and ask for their cooperation. If you criticize, deny, or assert your rights, such as saying, “They don’t do what I want,” or “I need them to do it this way,” you will not be able to build a good relationship.
School is a place where children can become aware of their character and make an effort to get along with others. Its role is very different from home education which aims to cultivate good character. Children are precious beings and we adults cooperate to foster them. If you don’t forget to be grateful to those around you, we can raise our children well with the support of many people, including the school.