Family Matters: A Fable

It was an interesting time. There was a small village by the water. Like many other villages it was quiet and secluded and run by the village elders. These elders were selected by the villagers and chosen to leadthe village wisely.

As with most elders; they did what they saw fit and just. From time to time they would be approached by various villagers with concerns and needs. They would enter the elders' chambers and speak their piece in hope of some consideration or action. Sometimes their concerns were valid and other times their concerns were personal.

The elders, being wise, would recognize the difference and act accordingly. The elders wouldrule if the concerns were valid and the village as a whole needed action. However, if the issue was a personal one for one villager and not in the best interestof the village, they would refuse to act. This was the wise and prudent course.

One day, a villager who lived on the water came into the elder’s chambers to complain. He did not like the sound of the children who would play by the water. His hut was by the water and he did not like the sounds of the children who would play and enjoy themselves. The villager did not seem to mind the other adults who played and sat outside till late hours. He just did not like the sounds of these children.

This was not the first time the elders had heard complaints about children and their play. Most times it was from a villager who lived close to a big field where the children would play their games. They would also hear from the villagers who lived close to the small school house. Children would play after they ate their lunch and the school mistress would ring the bell to call them in. 

However, the elders, being wise, never ruled to silence the children. They realized that children need to grow and enjoy the beauty of the village and the fresh air and fields. More importantly, they realized that the villager choose to build his hut close to the field or school and should expect to see or hear children. Most villagers are wise and certainly could understand this. But at every meeting, the villager would show up and complain to anyone who would listen.

Finally, they decided to hear from other villagers so they held a big meeting. On that night, the hall was full of the parents and their children. The complaining villager brought three friends as well. The meeting lasted long into the evening. Parents spoke about their children’s enjoyment of exercise, fresh air and water. The parents could not understand why the children were allowed to play in the fields and school yard but not by the water. No one could.

But the villager was relentless. The elders decided to make the sounds and voice on the children illegal by the water and in fact, everywhere in the village except the school yard and fields. The parents were shocked and dismayed. Shouldn’t they be? Family matters and children and thier voices should too.