Deepa Dumblekar thinks exams can be an opportunity for bonding between parents and youngsters
DEEPA DUMBLEKAR thinks exams can be an opportunity for bonding between parents and youngsters
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Stress test? It's for parents to ensure that youngsters take a healthy approach to academicsu00a0u00a0u00a0 Pic for representation only |
Yet, parents being the closest to their children must stand by them in this critical situation because they know their children better than anyone else. Understanding is the key word here. Let me elaborate.
Through the growing-up years, parents get an idea of the strengths and weaknesses of their children. A heart-to-heart talk in a relaxed and non-judgmental atmosphere can do wonders. Trained career counselors can help both the parents and the youngster achieve a working consensus. The idea is to help children discover their competencies and develop them rather than focus on what they lack.
The story of the animal school is very relevant here. The bird, the squirrel, the fish, the rabbit and the dog went to school and were required to take all subjects. The bird was excellent in flying but bad at burrowing; the squirrel was great at tree climbing but couldn't swim. The fish was great at swimming but could not get out of water to do anything else while the rabbit got excellent grades in burrowing but tree climbing was a problem for him. Soon the bird was too weak to fly, the squirrel slowed down in tree climbing and the rabbit could no longer burrow properly. The dog quit school as everybody despised his barking!u00a0
Given the rise of suicides among youngsters who give in to needless fear, anxiety and pressure, parents would do very well to adopt a healthy attitude towards academic performance.
Love, understanding and encouragement from parents go a long way in nurturing a happy and well-adjusted child.
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