It is often said that Experience teaches better than theory, that is what one Experiences in life stay in one's memory longer than what you never experienced. In other words, real life experiences are often more effective and efficient in teaching valuable lessons more than theoretical knowledge one, than giving instructions alone.
This topic brings back the memory of my four years old son early year, he was a curious child, always eager to explore and play with anything that caught his attention. Jedidiah then doesn't believed that a knife or razor blade can cut and injured him, nor flames or embers can burn his hand or any part of his body. As a proactive child, he will always wants to touch and explore. At this time, he was completely unaware of impending dangers that lurk around harmful objects around the house like razor blades, knifes, naked wires, hot surfaces, detergents and some other cleaning agents.
The Experience that taught him a lesson I was multitasking myself that day, ironing and cooking all at the same time, I perceived the water I was boiling to prepare his pap has already boiled, I hurriedly left to go and make his pap, I forgot to switched off the electronic knob. My curious son aware of my living without knowing what the outcome of his childish act will cost him, reached out and touch the scorching hot iron which results into burn.
It was his scream that called my attention and I already know he had burnt his hand, knowing the kind of a child he is. I immediately left the pap I was making to attend to him. He was inconsolable that day, even though, I knew I was at fault too,I shouldn't have left him,a toodler in such fate, and I could have been more vigilant.
For days I was treating his wounds, cleaning and applying topical ointment, monitoring it to avoid infections. On my own part, I learnt the home accident could have been avoided if I didn't multitask myself especially doing such harcullen tasks together. It gave me sleepless nights and prayer that the wound should not catch infection. I learnt not to ever leave my child, or any toodler without the guide of an older person around.
On my son part, the fabrics linger of his burnt serve as a harsh reminder of the fact that one shouldn't be playing with harmful objects no matter how tempting it might be.
The event taught my son and I a valuable lesson of vigilant and safety, and that we will never forget it.