24-23
MORE IDEAS FOR HELPING CHILDREN
LEARN AND TEACH
Avoiding parent-child conflict over new ideas
One big doubt often raised about the CHILD-to-child Program is this:
People, including parents, often have
very fixed ideas about managing
common illnesses. Is it fair to ask
children to take home new ideas
that may conflict with the beliefs
and customs of their parents? Could
this weaken children’s respect for their
parents or for local traditions? Or will it
make parents angry with the children
and, perhaps, with the school?`
These are valid questions. In many
areas, for example, parents believe it
is harmful to give a child with diarrhea
anything to eat or drink. They argue
from experience that giving food or
drink to the child may make him have
another watery stool more quickly.
How, then, can a boy or girl convince
parents that, even though the sick
child continues to have diarrhea or to
vomit, it is very important to give lots
of liquid and also food?
Will the new ideas children
learn from CHILD-to-child
get them in trouble at home?
There are no easy answers to these questions, but one thing is clear. In a program
such as CHILD-to-child, it is not enough to work only with the children.
Health workers and teachers need to work with the parents and the community as
well. There are ways they can help families become more open to the new ideas
children bring home from school. These include discussion groups, handing out
flyers or pamphlets (where enough people know how to read), and evenings of
entertainment with role plays and skits.
It is best when both children and adults take part. A good way to win community
acceptance is to involve parents and opinion leaders from the first. Ask the help
of parents or the local health committee in planning CHILD-to-child activities and
explaining them to other parents.
It is important that teachers and health workers show respect for the ideas and
traditions of the children’s parents. At the same time, try to prepare the children
for some of the difficulties that may arise when they introduce their new ideas
at home. Role playing and story telling are good ways to do this.
To follow is an example of a story that can be used to help children learn and
teach about diarrhea, dehydration, and Special Drink.