My child, my anxiety

A. JOHN JERARD, SBOA School, Chennai.

THE Parent Teacher Open Meet held after every terminal examination is a part of the school's strategy to build up a rapport with parents.

After 14 years of teaching I would like to discuss a few of the general anxieties of parents and students.

An angry parent.

"Where are the other eight marks," she shouted. I looked into her eyes. They were bright with anger.

"Madam, they are with me, right here in my pocket". She was no longer angry. She grinned. "No, No. How could she lose the eight marks. She has scored only 92 in English. In Class XII (CBSE) she cannot afford to be so careless." The child was also present.

I could understand the mother's anxiety. I also approve of the standard that she set for her daughter.

Aim high. But then what a child looks for is appreciation. Along with a liberal dose of encouragement mixed with love, concern and care.

But many a time parent forget to realise that ambition hampers the child's progress.

The neighbour's daughter has got 93. My niece has secured 94.Why not my child?

I have given her everything. All comforts and facilities a child of her age could ever ask for. Still why only 92? Securing 92 per cent is not easy. It reflects perseverance, intelligence and regularity.

The child is not ethically bound, that coming from a family of doctors, he or she should become a doctor and a doctor only. The aptitude of a child is paramount.

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