A better world begins with raising better children

To people born between the mid-1960s and about 1980, Gen Xers in short, the world can seem increasingly complex. We deal with political challenges, economic uncertainties and rapidly changing social norms. Often, we look for grand solutions in famous quotations, autobiographies, speeches and even podcasts, but overlook the most fundamental building block of a thriving society: our children.

A better world will not be built on abstract ideals but on the values, skills and character that parents impart to the next generation. Even while caught up in the pressures of day-to-day life and the demands of the modern world, parents cannot afford to forget that early childhood experiences provide the foundation for cognitive and emotional growth.

A nurturing environment all the way from infancy through adolescence to adulthood is, therefore, a necessity. The interactions a young man or woman has with their parents, caregivers, friends, teachers and the world around them in those formative years will shape their intellectual development. They could make all the difference between an individual ending up as a radical political activist or a job-creating serial entrepreneur.

The media that we expose our children to also plays a crucial role. Positive media exposure can help impart lasting social-emotional skills, which in turn enable children to manage their emotions and forge healthy relationships. Conversely, exposure to heated rhetoric, misguided narratives, violence and negativity can have detrimental effects on their development, delaying intellectual maturity.

Parents cannot afford to forget that early childhood experiences provide the foundation for cognitive and emotional growth

Arnab Neil Sengupta

Research conducted in various parts of the world consistently demonstrates the tangible benefits of parental involvement. Children with hands-on parents tend to perform better academically. It is not just about helping with homework, but about instilling a love of learning, encouraging intellectual curiosity and creating an environment where children feel empowered to explore their potential.

In her book, “My Life in Full: Work, Family and Our Future,” and in numerous interviews, Indra Nooyi has credited her upbringing for instilling discipline, hard work and gratitude, which influenced her journey from the Indian city of Chennai to becoming the US-based CEO of PepsiCo.

Raised in a disciplined environment with supportive yet strict parents who balanced freedom with boundaries, Nooyi’s parents encouraged her to think about how she could contribute to the world, rather than just what she wanted to be. “I think I am a product of my family, my upbringing, the city and the country,” she said in one interview.

In the Arab world, the concept of “tarbiyah” encompasses not just education but overall upbringing — the nurturing of a child’s intellectual, moral and spiritual development. It emphasizes the importance of building character, instilling values such as honesty, compassion and respect for others.

Family background continues to exert a strong influence on educational outcomes. Studies have shown that socioeconomic status significantly influences a child’s academic achievements, which is why excellence in medicine, law, engineering, business, mathematics and literature seems to run in some families instead of all.

The Arab world, where family and community ties are deeply valued, is well placed to utilize its cultural strengths to raise better children

Arnab Neil Sengupta

The downside is that this phenomenon can also reinforce inequalities that can be difficult to overcome. This is not a Western, or “First World,” problem but a global one. In many parts of the Middle East and North Africa, for instance, access to quality education remains uneven, meaning children from underprivileged backgrounds face significant barriers to success.

Fortunately, early interventions have the potential to generate crucial long-term benefits. Indeed, investments in early childhood care and education are a lot more than just a social good. Such programs have been shown to improve academic performance and reduce social problems later in life.

There is also a strong need to recognize the importance of neighborhood and peer influences. Children from low-income families who form friendships with wealthier friends or classmates have been found to earn significantly more as adults, underscoring the importance of diverse social interactions.

The Arab world, where family and community ties are deeply valued, is well placed to utilize its cultural strengths to raise better children. It can draw on its rich traditions of support spanning generations, strong family networks and emphasis on moral education to create ideal environments for children to thrive and become role models.

This is not to say Arab communities can afford not to adapt and evolve. The need to embrace modern educational techniques, promote gender equality and address the socioeconomic challenges that hinder the development of children cuts across borders and geographical boundaries.

While embracing these responsibilities, every generation must demonstrate to members of the next the overarching goal of contributing to society and making a difference. This perspective should ideally shape their values, crucial decisions, conversations and actions for the rest of their lives.

All things considered, creating a better world starts at home, in schools and in communities, whether in North America or North Africa. It requires a collective commitment to investing in the well-being of children, nurturing their potential and instilling in them the values that will help build a brighter future for all humankind. The children society raises today will determine, for better or worse, the world they inhabit tomorrow.

- Arnab Neil Sengupta is a senior editor at Arab News. X: @arnabnsg