The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : When the pressure gets too much

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

When the pressure gets too much

Sahana Charan

Bangalore: High school student Ayush (name changed) was pressured by his family to do well in studies so that he could become an engineer. He was highly anxious and called the distress helpline Sahai (25497777) to seek help.

“He told us he wanted to help the farming community as he liked agriculture and nature. But he did not want to disappoint his parents. We told him about options available that could merge both agriculture and engineering. He was also made to realise his strengths and limitations,” says Lata Jacob, administrator, Medico Pastoral Association, which runs the Sahai helpline.

She adds that parents and teachers should encourage a child who is confused or distressed to experience aptitude tests and career counselling and to encourage them to talk instead of pressuring them to do well in the examinations. Gita Menon, activist and a mother of two, says it is important for parents to recognise the child’s potential and balance expectations. Forums for children by children should be created so that children can voice their concerns and aspirations. Ms. Menon adds that alternative schools, which do not stress on the examination system, are a good option. It helps if there is a common school system that treats all children as equal, but caters to their individuality, suggests.

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