I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the parents, teachers, and students of grade 10 at the Delta Study in Fort Kochi. It's crucial to create a space where everyone can openly discuss their struggles, whether they pertain to academics, relationships, or any other aspect of life. I want to emphasize the courage it takes for children to express their challenges. They might hesitate because they "do not know" how to articulate their feelings effectively or because they worry about how their parents might react. The fear of receiving unsolicited advice, harsh punishments, or having privileges taken away can be paralyzing. If these concerns go unnoticed or unaddressed, they can lead to a breaking point where the child feels, "I can't take it any longer." If this continues to be neglected, it may escalate to "I won't take it any longer," and the child might disconnect from their immediate environment and seek solace elsewhere. As parents and caregivers, our role is not just about protecting our children but also about staying closely connected with them. Effective parenting involves emotional regulation on the part of the parents. Children learn from our actions more than our words. Let's ensure that our words align with our actions, providing a safe and supportive environment for our children to express their challenges and concerns.
