With their children in class XII, the dominant topic of discussion among the mothers is, ”Having worked so hard for so long, it’s time now to see how they (the child) fare in the Boards ?” The parents are constantly worried over scores, college admissions, good placements so on and so forth.
I, too, as a mother worried over our daughter’s future have the replicate thoughts in my mind. My primal worry too is how she would fare, not only post Boards but in her transition from childhood to adulthood, from the safe envelope of her home to the big unknown world of outside. Has her education over the long years, not only in academics but moral ethics, family values, grit, determination, character building been sufficient?. Will her lessons in self control and self confidence help her strike a balance in times to come? I am confident that the answer is yes! She may not have revised her parabolic or hyperbolic functions as per the stipulated number of times given but she sure has applied her lessons in value system every day.
As parents we always stress upon the correct equation of life being good education added with good placement always equals to loads of money and unlimited happiness. But sadly that does not hold true. Though money could be an essential part of our lives but it should not be an integral part.
We should stress more on value orientation in our children. Teach your child to say yes, yes to conscientious behaviour, scruples need not only be a word in dictionary for them but a practising principle. They should try and always help a person in need, without thinking of gains. The importance of putting in effort in a relationship and not giving up easily or over trivial things, should be imbibed into them. This will not only teach them persistence, team work but also earn them rewards in the form of lifelong friendships which will bring them true happiness. Teach your child to be proud of our Nation and the importance of giving back to the society. Teach them the skills of reading, mannerisms, self respect, self appraisal and communication. The personality of the child should be wholesome, their confidence in themselves supreme. She or he should exhibit exuberance at all times. And then we should ask ourselves, “How will she fare?” Is it even a question anymore?
(Noopur is a homemaker who is a postgraduate in political science. She is a vociferous reader, avid gardener and a running enthusiast)
