Looking into 'the need of the hour' and the prevailing trend wherein hardly any time is spared for a heart to heart talk between a parent and his/her child as everyone has either become a part of the rat race to make the ends meet or does not consider it as important to give a patient ear to one's child, an effective and positive parenting counselling session was held on 17th February, '18 at Podar World School, Sherkhi between 9:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon by the vivacious school counsellor, Ms Forum Dave.
In the inaugural address, the Principal, Ms Preeta Pillai, shared her deep concern for having organized such a session with an urgency. The widening gap between parent and child affect the overall personality of the child and its repercussions are felt on his/her academic performances too and develop behavioural problems too. If the root of the problem lies at the home front, no matter how much ever efforts put by his/her teacher to put across the content will not prove fruitful. Therefore the session was just a step towards employing the ways and means of identifying what lies beyond, what could be perceived and rectify the situation before it worsens and goes beyond one's control.
The counsellor, Ms Dave began her session concentrating on four points, 1. Perspective 2. Belief system 3. Behaviour 4. Role of Parents. All these four are inter-related as the demeanour of the parents at home with one another is based on their value system and belief which will affect the perspective of the child. The counsellor showed videos to provide clarity and meaningful cues to explain each of her points. The first video was to emphasize about the fact that each one of us perceive the same thing in different ways, which is again based on the belief system that has been instilled in us from the home front. This makes the teacher's task all the more difficult and he/she has to employ different methods to put across the content in the best possible manner. That is why it is said, 'Appearances are deceptive.'
Belief system plays a very vital role in any relationship. It is mandatory to build a positive relationship between a teacher and a student( refers to Guru-Shishya relationship of Vedic times) and the student with his parents. Positive and analytical input in a continuous manner following a series of observation of their behavioural pattern alone can bring about improvisation in the children. So parents have to be alert and cautious especially in their child’s teens to effect better upbringing.
Role of Parents: Parents have to be the role models and as far as possible project themselves as the epitome of all virtues. It is believed that the first brain programming of a child results from what he has picked up or acquired from his home front. So it is very important as what is fed would result as the first programming data and the child's perspective gets build on that.
In broader perspective, Ms Dave told the parents the 'role' they need to adapt themselves to, in the course of upbringing of their children:
0 to 6 years - as a Caretaker (the parents)
6 to 10 years - as a Mentor (effecting overall development)
10 to 13 years - as a Friend ( someone who understands)
13 to 18 years - as a Motivator (one who can be a great moral support)
The counsellor said that one has to plan out for one's child future as early as possible at the age of class VII having observed over a period of time, the child's aptitude; the mission for him, the vision and the goal, so that the child doesn't get distracted or go astray. Parents have to feed them with good data so that one could prevent them from collecting wrong data. They have to be shown better options than they are following with reasons to direct them in the right path and leave the wrong addiction.
Feedback from parents:
More than 90% rated the session as 'Excellent' on a five point scale. 5% rated it as 'Very good' and rest of the 5% as requested to choose a better place to organize it ( not atelier), overcome echo sound etc . An overall comment about the session was as “very effective, informative and useful." They found the session dealt with 'issues of handling the children positively' as most useful. They even expressed their wish to attend more such sessions and appealed to increase the time limit for the same.
A few reviews on Class Whatsapp group:
The parenting session was really helpful. Thanks to Principal madam. - Parent of Nishith Gomes(VIII)
The session was a nice initiative. Thanks to everyone for organizing it. - Parent of Dhanraj Zaveri(VIII)
Thanks for such an eye opening session. Keep up the good work. - Parent of Bhargavi (VIII)
