Dear Fellow Parents,
In the pursuit of academic excellence, it's vital to reflect on the environment we create for our children, especially in today's urban, corporate-driven lifestyle. We often tend to push kids excessively for them to achieve academic success, but is this pressure truly worth it? This is a question we must deeply ponder. Recent events, such as the tragic suicide of an 18-year-old JEE aspirant, shed light on the immense pressure our children face in their academic endeavors. Shockingly, this was the second suicide in Kota within a week.
A student preparing for the JEE is expected to be academically adept and dedicated, often studying for 7-8 hours daily. Statistics reveal a 70% increase in student suicides in India from 2011 to 2021, indicating the immense pressure students face due to competition
As working corporate parents ourselves, we understand the balancing act between professional responsibilities and parenting duties. However, it's crucial to pause and reconsider the impact of our actions on our children's well-being. Here are some insights to consider:
Reacting to Failures: How do we respond when our children face setbacks? Creating a non-judgmental, supportive environment is key. Let's ensure our reactions to their failures encourage growth rather than discouragement.
Managing Expectations: While we all want the best for our children, it's essential to balance academic aspirations with their emotional well-being. Academic success should complement their holistic development, not overshadow it.
Avoiding Comparisons: As the famous saying goes "every child is a different kind of flower, and all together, they make this world a beautiful garden". Each child is unique, with their own strengths and weaknesses. Let's refrain from comparing them to others based solely on academic achievements, fostering an environment where they feel valued for who they are.
Respecting Their Dreams: Our children's dreams may not align with our own, and that's perfectly okay. Let's support and encourage their passions, ensuring they pursue paths that bring them genuine fulfillment.
Additionally, it's crucial to recognize that our happiness shouldn't be dependent on our children's achievements. Instead, we should provide unwavering support through their successes and failures, fostering a mindset that sees failure as a learning opportunity rather than the end of the road.
While there's no guarantee that tragic incidents can be entirely prevented, let's commit to being mindful parents who prioritize our children's well-being above all else. May we never have to come across another heartbreaking suicide note. Together, we can create a nurturing environment where our children thrive academically and emotionally.
Warm regards,
Mariyam
Building Crink.App
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