Every Child Is Unique

Parents should be aware of their children’s talents and encourage them instead of driving them into areas they may not be interested in

- Moushumi Bhagwati

Recently, three NEET (National Eligibility Rcum Entrance Test) aspirants in Tamil Nadu committed suicide. This was indeed shocking and distressing. Every year we lose brilliant young people mostly because they are not able to tackle peer pressure.

Today’s child is not allowed to lead a carefree life as was in the past. Children in cities and towns especially are confined inside their homes for many reasons like security, lack of outdoor open spaces etc. To top it, most people nowadays have one to two children and they want to Ì€ build’ them according to their own aspirations. The competition starts barely after a child is out of the crib. Parents forget that each child is unique and has his/her own unique abilities and aspirations. But instead it is instilled in their mind, from a very tender age, that happiness and success are related to scores in examinations, or getting a seat in certain institutions. If not, they are failures for not living up to their parents’ aspirations. If a child is good and sincere, they are pressurized to do even better and some high goal is set for them. If they are not able to attain it, they get frustrated, and at times even commit suicide. If a child does not excel in studies, then everyone starts to look down upon him and criticize him, including his parents, until he loses all his selfconfidence and self-worth.

Even sports and music are no more a means of relaxation and entertainment for a child. He is expected to excel there too.