Palak Juneja
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Palak Juneja | Updated : October 3, 2016 12:20 PM IST
Are you one of those students who is pressurized by their parents and is heading towards becoming the jack of all trades but master of none. Psychologists suggest that achieving success and being confident is subjective to the natural abilities of a student and there are no specific tips to raise a topper.
With Tina Dabi recently topping the UPSC exam in her first attempt, most Indian parents are hoping for a similar achievement for their children and trying to figure out the perfect parenting guidelines. But it is important for parents to understand that the best thing they can do for their children is encourage them for whatever they wish to pursue.
Students have a natural tendency or inclination towards academics. No child can be taught to focus on studies 24*7. If they have the propensity to bloom out in academics, then nothing can stop them. Parents should stop pushing their kids to strive for something they want out of their children and rather should set them free to run towards their passion. Motivating and encouraging kids to follow their dreams is the best that can come from parents to raise a confident child.
Achieving success has a different meaning for every child. For someone, success means excellent results in academics whereas for some it is winning a dance or singing competition. And parents need to understand this.
Let s take this universal instance to discuss it:
Expected reply- Congratulations! We re so proud of you.
Reality- Look at Sharma Ji s son. He topped the exams and all you are concerned about is sports.
Expected reply- Congratulations! We re proud of you.
Reality- Look at Sharma Ji s son. He also won the badminton match. Why can t you be an all-rounder!
This is the bitter truth. Parents, instead of realising their child s abilities and encouraging him/her, focus more on what the child is lacking at. A supportive home environment is very significant for a child to grow. It is better for the parents to spend time with their children and plan strategically what the child wants in his life, keeping in mind his/her abilities and skills.
Parents should teach their children the art of effective time management instead of teaching them the art of perfecting or excelling at everything. Parents should also realise that no child is born Einstein or Jackson and just like each flower needs water to blossom, every child needs encouragement and support to flourish and achieve success. A good parent is someone who motivates and allows their child to chase his/her dreams, and then everything falls in place automatically.
In my case, I always aspired to become a doctor and landed up becoming a content writer. And I am completely happy with my decision, even with the struggles that my choice of profession comes with. It is not because my parents wanted me to become a content writer, but because they gave me an opportunity to explore myself and acknowledge the fact that becoming a doctor is not my cup of tea. They allowed me to try and figure out myself what my abilities are. All they did was to stand by my side, constantly guiding me, holding my hand, supporting me and encouraging me to move in the direction where my talent takes me.
This is exactly what every child requires, demands and expects from his/her parents: constant support and patience to deal with the time their child takes to discover his/her own identity. When asked what moms want for their children, the only response that I got was to see their children grow and follow their dreams and ambitions. So to all the parents reading this, support your children in whatever they want to do, encourage them and always be there to show them that you love and support them. And to all the kids reading this, don t be afraid of chasing your dreams and don t be scared of sharing them with your parents.
Read this in Hindi.
Image source: Shutterstock
