Parentune discussion
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Updated on Apr 21, 2015
It is Parentune Weekly Discussion!! Let's share our thoughts on a very important aspect of our child's development. When we look out for a good school for our child, we consider the results of that school. Or when we send our child for the various classes, we don't want him/her to get left behind his peers. Are we consciously, or unconsciously, making our child a part of the rat race. A race defined by getting top scores, being ahead of peers and society. We would like to hear your thoughts on the issues of 'rat race'.
| Apr 21, 2015
Choosing a school based on results is not a great idea. A schools should be chosen based on the overall development they offer for the child. Parents generally enroll the children in various classes to avoid screen time at home. The kids also have peer pressure to join certain extra curricular classes to spend time with their friends.
| Apr 21, 2015
when my son was not even a year old, one of the aunties in my neighbourhood used to compare him with her grand daughter and always used to say that he is too slow in reaching his milestones as my son hadn't started to speak words by then. I didn't have an iota of doubt about my son's milestone as I know each child is different. It's very unfortunate that even a new born baby is expected to prove himself. Even if parents don't want to be part of this race, the peer parents' pressure is always there. Even before enrolling the child in a class, if parents have the expectation of making them a champion in that field, definitely the child will not have the freedom to explore. Expecting the child to be the best in everything they do, will make the child hesitate to take risk or explore. I think it will kill the child's creativity if no time is given to stop and think.
| Apr 21, 2015
To answer this I would like to share my experience. I know of many friends who used to perform brilliantly in school,but haven't been so well placed in life now. Schools are there to teach us life skills and prepare us for practical life situations. The grades we get in school are not indicative of our performance in later life. so unnecessarily forcing kids to outshine their classmates or be a part of 'rat race' holds no significance. The change needs to come within the system whereby schools need to replace marks with grades. Most schools have already adopted this system. And Parents need to take it easy and consider B/C/D grades as an indicator that scope for improvement is still there. They need to tell their children that competing with self should be the ideal target rather than with peer group.
