I think that good parenting should allow children to be

In the words of Robert Winston, we are given a truth that is both gentle and profound: “I think that good parenting should allow children to be children. That naivety and slightly open way of looking at the world is very valuable.” Here is a reminder that the essence of childhood is not to be hurried into adulthood, but to be preserved in its innocence, curiosity, and wonder. For the child’s gaze is uncluttered, free from cynicism, alive with possibilities. And in that gaze lies a wisdom often forgotten by those who grow old too quickly.

The ancients themselves honored the value of childlike vision. In the words of Jesus, it was said: “Unless you become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” The sages of Greece, too, observed that true philosophy begins with wonder—a state most natural to the young. Winston’s words carry this same eternal lesson: naivety is not ignorance, but openness; it is the courage to approach the world with trust, awe, and imagination. To rob a child of this gift by forcing them into premature maturity is to strip away the very foundation of joy and creativity.

History offers us examples of those whose childhood freedom became the seed of greatness. Consider Leonardo da Vinci, whose insatiable curiosity as a boy—taking apart clocks, watching the flight of birds, sketching rivers and stones—was never extinguished by harsh demands to “grow up.” Because he was allowed to keep his open way of looking at the world, he grew into one of the greatest thinkers and artists the world has ever known. His genius flowered not in spite of his childlike wonder, but because of it.

Winston’s words also carry a warning: when parenting becomes too rigid, when discipline replaces curiosity, when pressure replaces play, the child may lose that fragile spark of openness. And without it, the adult that emerges may be skilled, but not inspired; accomplished, but not alive. The world is filled with such grown-ups, efficient and hardened, but lacking the freshness of vision that once made them dreamers. Thus, the duty of a parent is not merely to protect or instruct, but also to guard the flame of wonder in their children.

The meaning of this is both emotional and heroic. To let children remain children is an act of courage in a world that constantly urges haste, competition, and achievement. It is the courage to say: “There is more value in your laughter, your play, and your curiosity than in any early crown of success.” To preserve naivety is to preserve the human soul’s first language—the language of joy, exploration, and faith in the goodness of life.

The lesson for us is clear. First, let us not rush our children into adulthood, but allow them the sacred space of play, wonder, and even mistakes. Second, let us honor their questions, however simple, for in them lies the foundation of wisdom. Third, let us ourselves learn from them, remembering that the open way of looking at the world is not only valuable for children, but also for those who wish to live deeply, even as adults.

O seekers of truth, remember this: the true wealth of life is not stored in gold, nor measured in power, but in the ability to see the world as though for the first time. Children hold this gift naturally; parents must protect it fiercely. Do not silence their wonder with haste, nor dim their joy with cynicism. Let them be children, and in so doing, let us ourselves be reminded of what it means to truly live.

Thus, Robert Winston’s words endure as both counsel and command. Good parenting is not the crafting of miniature adults, but the nurturing of whole-hearted children whose naivety becomes the wellspring of creativity and hope. Guard their innocence, cherish their openness, and let their laughter teach you again what the world was always meant to be.