7.1. Upbringing of Children

                                                               7.1. Upbringing of Children

 

Question:

How should a father bring up his son?

 

Answer:

The good thing a father can do to his son is to prepare him for a prominent role in the assembly of scholars.                                                                                                (Couplet – 67)

தந்தை மகற்காற்று நன்றி அவையத்து

முந்தி இருப்பச் செயல்.                                                                           (குறள் – 67)

 

 

Explanation: 

Valluvar lived about 2000 years ago. During his days, the role of women was confined to having children and managing their homes. Men’s role was to work for a living and provide financial support to their families. In the past two thousand years, society has changed significantly. These days, both men and women are responsible for managing the affairs of their homes. Women are as capable as men in working and making money to support their families. This is evident from the increasing number of women in the workforce. Also, the preparation of their daughters and sons for prominent roles is the responsibility of both the parents. If Valluvar were alive today, he would say that the good thing parents can do to their children is to prepare them for prominent roles in the assembly of scholars. It should be noted that the people who play a prominent role in the assembly of the scholars are scholars with high academic achievements and recognized accomplishments. So, the idea is that the parents should help their children to get a good education, encourage them to work hard, and become successful in their chosen profession.