Dear Parents, 17/07/2019

Warm greetings to you all.

Meeting the children of various classes on a daily basis over these years
has not only brought me very close to the children, but has also given
me a deep insight into their thought process, so much so, that I am able
to clearly identify each child in times of their happiness, sorrow,
disturbance or confusion. Yet another understanding is that the
problems faced by students at every stage are very different as well as,
at times, unique in nature with a variance in the level of intensity too.

Each day comes with a lot of learning and various new experiences.
The beautiful nature around us has created with it multifaceted
opportunities for every individual to bloom and grow at their own
pace. God has blessed us with individual capacities which we should
nurture in order to excel in everything that we do. While the beauty of
creation is varied, 0ne such unique creation is our CHILDREN.

Children are born innocent. It is the experiences and opportunities that

influence the personality of the children. Some children show maturity
during the various stages of their growing up years while some succumb
to the pressures and tensions. This in turn leads to the drawing up of a
negative path for themselves. We should bear in mind that children are
filled with plenty of energy which needs to be channelized
appropriately to get the best out of them.

It is a foregone conclusion that each day has become a challenge for

every parent in the up-bringing of their children. In the event when
children are difficult to handle, many a times, we point out and blame
technology and friends. We often forget to look back and see what is it
that we have done or not done which has either created or is
contributing to this road block.

A few points to ponder: It is obvious that while living in a society

children gather in the evening for play, discussions and to have some
lighter moments. However, although there is no need to transgress on
their freedom, are we keeping a watch on children to see who their
friends are and how they are spending their time in the evening? Are
timings set to have them get back home preferably not beyond 6.00 pm?
Should this basic form of discipline be dispensed with? Are we taking
them to task & making sure that decisions such as these need to be
abided by at any cost?

‘Sleep Over’ has become fashionable these days. You may be aware that
many incidents during such ‘sleep or stay overs’ have negatively
impacted children. For instance, the host parents may not always be
there with the children to monitor them. Consequently, children may
end up with various types of mischiefs as the group is unmonitored.
While not sounding ‘old fashioned’ it may perhaps be a better idea for
children to spend time at their friend’s house but make it a point to
return to their respective homes for the night.

‘Do not become Santa Clause all the time’ - you cannot dole out gifts for
every occasion. Be specific and reasonable. Let the children know the
value of money. You should necessarily have to cut their demands if
they are too exorbitant and beyond your reach.

Do not speak ill about any teacher in front of your children. When you
meet the teachers in person during PTM, it is best to have a healthy
interaction than having a blame game. Do not be disrespectful to a
teacher and try to draw attention of other fellow parents to join the
conversation. Let the children respect their teachers as it is a teacher
who brings about a positive change in every child. Any difference with
the teacher could be sorted out by reaching out to the concerned
authority who will take appropriate steps to resolve the issue.

We also need to be alert & aware about abusing teachers on social

media. It is not only the person who is posting the content who gets the
‘kick or joy’ but the children who get to read also derive pleasure out of
it which is not a healthy practice for their growth. Let us treat the
school which is the alma mater of your child with utmost reverence for
it will remain attached to your child for life.

While interacting with the children I get to understand that children

at various segments are experiencing depression due to the pressure
that comes with the need to excel in their studies. Do remember, too
much pressure has ruined the life of many children, of whom we often
get to hear and read about on various social media sites. Let us
understand our children and be realistic in our demands. For instance,
if you are a top ranker or a gold medallist, it does not mean that your
child also should be the same. Setting high standards is fine but it should
not be a cause of concern later on. Children should do reasonably well
as per their interest and calibre. Let us not run behind marks and make
their life miserable. Children should enjoy their studies and they must
be able to joyfully apply the learnings in their life.

Finally, introduce children to God. Do not involve them in long prayers

if they show no interest. It is essential to start with a small dose and
you will see the change. Children who recognise God will never take a
wrong path.

My best wishes to all of you, dear parents. Let us teach our children the
finer aspects of life by ourselves being a role model. Let us all bear in
mind that it is “HAPPINESS” even in its simplest form, that matters
most, at the end of the day.

Warm regards,

Manila Carvalho

Principal

DPS Bangalore East