Nourishing a child’s inner world

All parents, within their individual capacity, want to give the best to their child/children. Sometimes, the entire concentration is largely on the external: clothes, hobby classes, mannerisms, health and a certain amount of discipline, and maybe exposure to rituals and festivals. However, how much do we ignore the inner world of the impressionable mind of the child?

Mobile phones, games, therein advertisements, etc. get due attention from the child. Attraction for these impressions is inevitable; tempting colours and words leave an indelible mark on the young mind. Addiction to social media goes unnoticed, but it is surely impacting their personalities. The world of technology does offer new possibilities like learning coding skills or consuming general knowledge content. But there may be a cost in nourishing their inner worlds.

We need to keenly observe the habits and responses of the child, and if any concern areas are observed, deal with it at the very inception. I sometimes find selfish behaviour encouraged by parents in an effort to keep the child satisfied and tantrum free. But do they realise this will boomerang on them as the child grows up? Nowadays in the news, we hear such tragic stories related to mental health issues amongst our youth. The roots can often be traced back to childhood!

Basic humane qualities can be imbibed if exposure to the same is given. Sharing, loving, adjusting, respecting others are emotional muscles to be exercised! Parents and schools have to work in tandem, or else the emotional and social quotient can remain under-nourished! Stories, activities, etc. catered around such emotions definitely leave a mark. A loving environment at home can ensure that the child imbibes such qualities. Too much discipline or too much pampering / praise can damage, but a balanced dose of both encourages growth.

Over the years, we have seen this in the Srijan kids. Keen observation is our main modus operandi in school. Reprimanding is never the solution. The child freezes! But getting to the root and dealing with it gently can save a child’s future!