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`Train them young'

Initiate kids into the basics of everyday living, says Geetha Balakrishnan

As an experienced `virtual' mom (constantly directing and guiding my daughter, studying abroad, through the Internet), I have a few things to rant about and a few, to share with other (current and prospective) virtual mothers.

I believe that irrespective of gender, the basics of cooking should be taught at school level — say, from Standard seven to nine. By basics, I mean making a toast or an omlette or just making rice and rasam or rolling chappatis and making a subji.

Simple plumbing, carpentry and electrical repairs should also be taught. This will help them cope with everyday living. Battery rides that attract children at restaurants and super-markets can have intelligent, fun games such as withdrawing and depositing cash at ATMs. This will help children adapt to automated machines with ease in the future. Parents should also encourage children to do small household chores like clean their room, washing, ironing and mending their own clothes and maintaining a "piggy bank."

These basics are the way to independence. With them, our children will step out into the world, into the great unknown, with confidence, even at a tender age.

SOUND OFF! is a weekly space for you to rant, applaud or talk about anything on your mind. Write to metro@thehindu.co.in telling us a little about yourself (with address and phone number), and you may get a chance to sound off!

AS TOLD TO ASHA MENON

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