Teach children with humour and gentleness

Image: Pixabay

AS a child, when I was sick, I waged a constant battle with bitter medicine. My mother would coax and cajole, but I resisted with all the stubborn strength a little boy could muster.

At last, after much struggle, the dreaded potion went down, followed by a sweet stream of honeyed water. Occasionally, there was a toy after much haggling.

I didn’t realise it then, but my mother was teaching me something profound – even life’s bitter moments can be made bearable with a touch of tenderness.

It reminds me now of the song A Spoonful Of Sugar from the 1964 Disney film Mary Poppins:

“A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down,

“The medicine go down,

“Medicine go down.

“Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down

“In a most delightful way.”

In today’s fast-paced world, where families rush through routines and beat deadlines, the whimsical wisdom of the film’s magical nanny, Mary Poppins, feels like a much-needed pause.

Her world may be one of flying umbrellas and magic carpets (pic), but her lessons are rooted in something very real.

What if, instead of gadgets or the latest parenting hacks, what our children truly need are what she brings: imagination, kindness and just a spoonful of fun?

“In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and – snap! – the job’s a game.”

In Mary Poppins’ world, a walk in the park becomes an adventure, and cleaning the nursery turns into a cheerful game.

Children (and some adults too) live richly in the world of make- believe. Rather than pulling them out of it too soon in the name of “growing up”, perhaps we should join them there. Dream with them, build rocket ships out of cardboard boxes or tell bedtime stories that go off script.

There is wonder in the simplest things if only we allow space for them.

Mary Poppins also shows us that discipline doesn’t have to be instilled with frowns and raised voices.

Her spoonful of sugar is not about indulgence; it’s about balance. She teaches responsibility with humour and gentleness.

So, instead of scolding or endless nagging, what if we used a playful tone, a wink or a song?

Lessons delivered with warmth tend to stay longer.

One of the most touching moments in the film is when Mr Banks, the overworked father, learns that no amount of success can replace time with his children. That message is more urgent now than ever.

In addition to food, shelter and education, children need something else: our presence.

They need parents who listen with genuine interest, laugh and cry and play with them, and who show up not just physically but emotionally as well.

What also stands out is how Mary Poppins treats children not as lesser beings but with dignity.

She speaks to them with clarity and respect, never belittling or underestimating their feelings.

Do we, as parents, take time to listen not just to our children’s words but to their hearts, too?

Are we giving them space to express themselves, ask questions or to simply be? Children grow up with confidence when they feel seen and heard.

And perhaps the most enduring lesson of all: Mary Poppins doesn’t fix the Banks’ family problems with magic. She helps them change their perspective.

We don’t need a magical nanny to transform our homes into places of warmth and love. We just need to bring a little attention, a little softness and a little joy into our everyday routines.

EMERITUS PROF NG KWANG HOONG

Faculty of Medicine

Universiti Malaya