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…A lesson in growth that endures
In a world that often emphasises independence and achievement, it’s easy to forget that a child’s greatest strength lies not in how far they can fly, but in how deeply they are rooted.
According to Jessica Osuere, the chief executive officer at RubiesHub Educational Servives, and one of the facilitators at Rubies Webinar, “Roots before wings: Building strong foundations through involved parenting” is a call to refocus on what truly matters, the steady presence, guidance, and emotional support that shape resilient, confident children.”
Osuere emphasised that before children should begin to soar, they need to feel grounded. This journey, she said, begins at home, with parents who must choose to be present, engaged, and intentional.
“We live in a time where the world is eager to see children fly so quickly, brilliantly, and visibly.
“From their earliest years, they are enrolled in advanced classes, coached to compete, and pushed toward high achievement. Society celebrates wings: the ability to soar, to dazzle, and succeed; but what happens when wings grow faster than roots?” she queries.
Speaking more on the webinar slated for August 16, she said, “The phrase “roots before wings” is a gentle reminder of a forgotten truth; that the strength to fly comes not just from the wings we build, but from the grounding we provide.
“Roots represent the unseen but essential: values, identity, resilience, emotional intelligence, cultural belonging, and faith. They are the principles and support systems that anchor a child in who they are, long before they take flight into the world,” she emphasised.
The virtual conference which will feature Olajide Komaiya, an EdTech educator and IT administrator, and Cecillia Adaja, a passionate educator, researcher and author, among others, is tailored to expose participants to the fact that a child like a tree can grow tall without deep roots, which experts say is dangerous to building a total child.
“When a tree grows tall without deep roots, the first strong wind can bring it crashing down. The same is true for a child who has been taught how to perform, but not how to stand.
“A child given wings but no roots may chase every opportunity, but struggle with purpose. Such a child may have the tools to succeed, but not the inner strength to navigate failure or the character to handle power,” they say.
“Human parenting, experts argue, is a life-long journey. “It is something parents must do intentionally. Parents must have to be intentional, it’s a joyous task.
“To raise a whole child requires to first give such a child deep, nourishing, and steady roots. Then, in time, he/she will grow wings strong enough to soar and wise enough to know where home is,” they say.
This, according to the organisers of “Roots Before Wings”, is the true calling of parenting, teaching, and mentorship: not just to raise achievers, but to nurture grounded, thoughtful, compassionate humans who can thrive, not just survive, in the world ahead.
