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Avoid comparisons

This has reference to the article "Comparisons? That's not fair" (July 16). While comparisons may appear to have an element of concern for the child, they are nothing but an expression of a parent's desire to achieve through their ward what they wanted to be but could not. Whatever the subliminal cause, they shatter the self-esteem and morale of youngsters, sometimes, devastating them. If we really have the best interests of our children at heart, we must as parents and grandparents have enough maturity to realise that each child is a unique entity with gifts and talents that must be tapped and nurtured. Sincere words of encouragement, especially when the child is in low spirits, will do a world of good. Normal children have enough intelligence to compare themselves with their peers who excel and make efforts to match up to them. We elders may help with useful advice, if approached.

C. P. Srinivasan
Anna Nagar

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