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`Each child is different'

Let children think independently and decide for themselves says Ujwal Unni

Ujwal Unni

Many parents are spoiling our future generation. Instead of accepting children for what they are, parents keep drawing comparisons. It is frustrating to see parents encouraging their children to outsmart their peers simply for that feeling of one-upmanship.

To an extent, the media has to be blamed for this. Some advertisements unabashedly encourage unhealthy competition. They portray parents frowning at their children for scoring even a few marks less than their classmate. And all this is shown in a `positive' light. At the end of this rat race, what we see is people doing jobs they are not interested in or have no aptitude for. And no one admits to incompetence. They continue to compare themselves with others and teach their children to do the same. I am exasperated with this vicious cycle. Parents should be mature enough to accept the fact that each child is different and recognise each one's individuality. They should not impose their ideas and wishes. It is wrong to encourage the youngsters to trample upon one another in the race to succeed. Each one should be given a chance to explore his or her potential. Guide them, but don't decide for them. Let everyone stay focussed on bettering himself or herself. We need a healthy, independent generation, not a confused or corrupt one. With a constructive appreciation of what one can do and what others can, we can avoid many illnesses caused by stress.

As told to ASHA MENON

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