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Parents take a chill pill…
As Indians, we are all over-sensitive and over-reactive and over-protective when it comes to our children. This is amply display
As Indians, we are all over-sensitive and over-reactive and over-protective when it comes to our children. This is amply displayed when the child from an educated family gets into the academic year of his or her first public exam like SSC. The educated parents decide to put a stop to TV watching, sports, outdoor activities. They try to give more attention to the kid, monitor studying habits, food habits etc. I have also seen working parents taking a sabbatical to monitor the time utilisation of their kids. In other words, every opportunity is taken unconsciously to make the atmosphere stifling and abnormal…
Hold on, here is a confession. I was no different. Now looking back, I think, and I agree that it is a significant stepping stone in the new world. Soon the world of our child is going to be bigger, but can we not handle the situation in a different way. There are several instances where the tension in the atmosphere gets concentrated on the student, and he or she becomes a mental wreck. If there is tension, very few tend to perform better, but a many more buckle down under pressure.
How do we handle this as parents? First, take a chill pill. Relax and then act.
Sit down with your kid and explain the importance of the situation. However, assure him that it can be handled well if there is a preparation. Instead of sitting in the familiar atmosphere of his school, he will give exams in a different location. There will be instructions given to write the answer sheet. Then just concentrate and write the answers.
How about others who are not the parents, but the uncles, aunts or acquaintances of the student? First, take a chill pill.
Do not give Best Wishes for the exam, in the tone as if the child is about to go on a Mount Everest expedition. Yes, we are Indians, and our extended families, which are often big - play an important part in our lives. An uncle or aunt is sometimes as close as a parent, but please control yourself.. let the child be.
Remember the Mantra – Take a chill pill.
