Children are tomorrow’s generation, and who better to carry the mindset of change better than children themselves? With ever-open minds that absorb knowledge like a sponge, a child’s education is determined by his upbringing and his exposure to events around him. As parents, we play a pivotal role in ensuring our children get a wholesome education not just for now, but for life. We are examples for our children through what we do and say.
A couple of months ago, while we were in Six Flags, a lady manning the cash register struck a conversation with Ethan.
Lady: Hey buddy…how are you doing?
Ethan: Good!
Lady: Did you have a great time today?
Ethan: Yes, we had so much fun!
Lady: Where are you guys from? Are you guys Chinese?
Ethan: No. We’re Malaysians!
Earlier last week, I was with Ethan and Emma at the bank, to open a savings account for Emma. While getting the documentation sorted out, Ethan was waiting for me at the side when one of the bank officers/tellers started making small talk with him.
Bank Officer: Is your father an Englishman? (I think she meant Caucasian. We get that a lot because a lot of people seem to think our kids look mixed…well, anyway…)
Ethan: No he’s not.
Bank Officer: No?
Ethan: Yeah, my Dad is a Malaysian!
Bank Officer: Malaysian? But Malaysian got 3 TYPES wor… Malay, Chinese and Indian. Which one? (What the..?? Now you see how most Malaysians are still bent on race)
Ethan: Malay!
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I’m extremely proud of Ethan that without any prompting from us, he can confidently answer that he is a Malaysian, forgoing the need to stress whether it’s Malay, Chinese, Indian or “lain-lain”. If only more Malaysians can think the same way…
Happy Malaysia Day, everyone!