The Work of a Gardener: A Student’s Lesson in Justice and Fairness
Sudhir was not very good at mathematics. His teacher suggested he stay back after school for extra classes to improve. He agreed.
One afternoon, while the class was still going on, Sudhir noticed his teacher looking at his watch again and again. At 3:30 p.m., the teacher shut his books and started packing his bag.
Sudhir had a doubt. He asked politely if he could get just fifteen more minutes. The teacher frowned and replied, “Ask me tomorrow. I do not get paid for extra classes. Why should I stay?” He walked away.
These words stayed in Sudhir’s mind. As he waited for his bus, he saw the school gardener working in the garden. Curious, he went up to him.
“What are your work hours?” Sudhir asked.
“Morning six to afternoon two,” the gardener replied with a gentle smile.
“Do you get paid if you work extra?” Sudhir asked again.
The gardener smiled sadly. “Have you ever seen a poor gardener getting paid extra?”
That answer shook Sudhir. He kept thinking about it the whole night. It felt unfair.
The next day during the morning assembly, Sudhir raised his hand. “Principal Sir, I have a few questions,” he said. The principal agreed to listen.
“Can students take extra classes without paying more?” Sudhir asked.
“Yes, of course. It is included in your school fees,” the principal replied.
“If teachers take extra classes, do they get paid for it?” Sudhir continued.
“Yes, they are compensated. It is part of their work contract,” said the principal.
Sudhir then asked his third question. “If our gardener works beyond his duty hours, does he get paid for it?”
The principal fell silent. The whole school waited. After a pause, he finally spoke. “From today onwards, our gardener will also be paid for his extra work. He deserves fair treatment too.”
The students clapped. The principal called Sudhir forward and praised his courage for asking the right question.
That day, everyone in school learned a simple but powerful truth. Justice should not be for a few. Justice should be for all.
Moral of the Story
Always stand up for fairness. True justice means equal respect for every person’s work.
By Shabnum Khan, Author of Upgrade Your Parenting
Explore more Books by Shabnum:
How Can Parents Help in Developing a Sense of Justice in Children
Have you noticed how quickly children say, “That’s not fair”? Their natural sense of justice can be shaped into a lifelong value.
At home, involve them in small decisions. When siblings argue or share toys, let them suggest what feels fair. This helps them understand equality in action.
Stories also work powerfully. Share simple situations from school, neighbourhood, or history. Ask what they think is right or wrong. Listen with patience. Their answers may surprise you.
The strongest lesson always comes from parents. When children see fairness in what you say and do, they learn that justice is not just taught, it is lived.
And when they carry this lesson with them, they bring fairness into every space they touch.
Why Is It Important for Parents to Teach Kids Justice
Have you ever seen your child stand up for a friend? That small act of courage shows why teaching justice matters.
Justice is more than following rules. It builds character. A child who learns fairness early grows into an adult who respects others, stands by truth, and values dignity.
Such children build stronger bonds, because they know how to listen and share. They also grow confident, because they can tell right from wrong. And above all, they develop compassion, because they know what unfairness feels like.
In today’s world of pressure and competition, justice protects children from selfishness and indifference. It gives them courage to speak up — for themselves and for others.
Justice is not just a value. It is the foundation that shapes their whole life.
Best Career Options for Children with a Natural Tendency for Fairness and Justice
Does your child question rules or defend friends when something feels wrong? That could be the seed of justice growing in them.
For such children, careers linked to fairness may be a natural fit. Law is one path, where truth and justice guide every step. Civil services also open doors to protect rights and ensure equality in society. Social work and human rights roles let them stand for those who cannot stand for themselves. Journalism gives them the chance to uncover hidden truths. Teaching too is powerful, because a fair teacher changes many lives.
Parents do not need to push. Simply observe and encourage. When children are supported, they naturally choose careers that align with their values.
A child who learns to live with fairness often finds work that creates fairness for others.
📚 Want to dive deeper into modern parenting challenges and timeless wisdom? Read my book Upgrade Your Parenting: 7 Modern Solutions with Indian Wisdom on Amazon India or Amazon.com.
FAQs for Parents on Teaching Justice and Fairness
Parents often ask how to guide children in understanding justice and fairness. Here are answers to some of the most common questions.
At what age should I start teaching my child about fairness?
Children notice fairness as early as three or four years old. You can begin by showing fairness in small things — sharing food, taking turns, and treating siblings equally. They learn more from what they see than what they are told.
How can I explain justice to my young child in simple words?
Use everyday examples. If two children want the same toy, explain that taking turns is fair. If someone is left out of a game, show that inviting them is a just choice. Simple actions and stories work better than long lectures.
What if my child feels hurt when life is unfair?
Acknowledge their feelings first. Then explain gently that fairness does not always mean everyone gets the same. Sometimes fairness means giving what is needed, not just what is wanted. This helps them balance expectations with reality.
How can I model justice as a parent?
Children watch more than they listen. Be fair in how you treat family members, helpers, and strangers. Admit your mistakes and correct them. When you live with fairness, your child will absorb the same value.
Is teaching justice different from teaching kindness?
They go hand in hand. Kindness is about caring. Justice is about ensuring fairness. A kind child may help others, but a just child also makes sure no one is treated unfairly. Teaching both creates a balanced character.
Can teaching justice make my child too rigid or argumentative?
Not if you guide them with patience. Encourage them to speak their mind, but also teach them to listen and respect different views. Justice is not about winning arguments; it is about creating fairness that works for everyone.
What if my child chooses a career that is not related to justice?
That is perfectly fine. A sense of fairness helps in every career — whether they become a teacher, doctor, artist, or entrepreneur. Justice is a value that guides their actions, no matter what they do in life.
"When fairness begins at home, children carry justice into the world. And that is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give."
Parenting:
Parenting is a journey filled with lessons, challenges, and moments that shape both parent and child. One of the most powerful ways to guide children is through moral stories — they make values simple, relatable, and memorable. Just like teaching fairness through stories of everyday life, parents can also strengthen their child’s growth by building trust and communication (How to Communicate Effectively with Your Child) or by learning balanced approaches to discipline (Balanced Discipline for Positive Growth). When stories are combined with practical parenting strategies, they create lasting impact. That is why moral stories are not only for children — they are reminders for parents too, as we continue shaping our own journey of growth (5 Parenting Lessons That Make Life Easier).
Modern Moral Stories for Children
If you enjoyed this story, you will love these other inspiring reads from our Moral Story Series:
- One Small Gesture: A Moral Story on Kindness
- Silver Lining: A Moral Story on Confidence, Failure, and Positive Thinking
- Honesty Moral Story for Students: When No One Is Watching
- A Moral Story on Discipline and Success: Nature’s Best Secrets
- A Moral Story on Determination: Never Giving Up
- Moral Stories for Kids: A Little Hungry Girl
- A Moral Story About Responsibility: When Lobo Was Sick
- A Short Moral Story on Sharing and Friendship: A Lonely Boy
- A Moral Story on Bravery: The Rope That Saved a Life
Each story helps children learn values in a fun and relatable way.
💬 What are your thoughts on teaching children justice and fairness? Have you ever seen your child stand up for what is right? Share your experience in the comments below — your story might inspire another parent today.