Turning Sissies

We have had many people protest against the idea of National Service trainees handling firearms a few years back. As much as I understand the concern over safety, I think a well-supervised session would be good for instilling a sense of responsibility and awareness. I am sure more teenagers will die in road accidents than from mishaps at the firing range. One of the things parents learn along the way is that they cannot make the world 100 per cent safe for their children. The other thing is to learn how to let go for the good of their children. In times of war, 18-year-old teens do get sent to the frontlines to die for the country. Here some parents were crying buckets over what is essentially a holiday camp. If parents show such fear and concern, what kind of impact will this have on the minds of children? Don’t stay out of the house, it is too hot. Don’t play in the field, it is dirty. Don’t play games, you might be injured.

Please give room for the youths to grow so that each appreciates his own self-esteem and realises his full potential. If we are not careful, they may end up with sissies and weak-minded individuals who would be lost when having to fend for themselves.