The Importance of Parents

'A third component of Froebel's educational plan involved working closely with the family unit. Froebel believed that parents provided the first as well as the most consistent educational influence in a child's life. Since a child's first educational experiences occur within the family unit, he is already familiar with the home environment as well as with the occupations carried on within this setting. Naturally, through creative self-activity, a child will imitate those things that are in a direct and real relationship to him-things learned through observations of daily family life (Dewey, 1990).'

The family unit plays a vital role within Froebel's theory, and I can understand why. The relationship between a parent and child is unique and special, with parents playing a hugely influential role in their child's life without necessarily being fully aware of it. Froebel did not tell parents how to bring up their children, but he did believe that parents needed to be part of a larger community to help them raise their child. 'He would probably have agreed with the African proverb which says that it takes a whole village to bring up a child.' (Tina Bruce 2012) Parents need to be respected for the work they do within the family unit, and yet supported when necessary.

I recently spent time in Africa working with children who lived on the street and attended the local government schools. When I reflect on this aspect of Froebel's work I find it difficult to comprehend what it must be like being a child without parents. Interestingly, these children were all motivated in their learning, demonstrated excellent listening skills, manners and a level of appreciation that I have never seen in a child before. However, it was clear that, when out with the structure of the classroom, that these children craved attention, love and affection . UNICEF estimate that there are 132 million children orphaned in the world (2008), and unfortunately this number is growing.

Knowing that Africa will always hold a special place in my heart inspires me to think about how Froebelian principles could be adopted in developing countries. Unfortunately, at this moment in time, I don't know how this could ever be possible, but I do know the difference it could make.