During a remarkable session at Bhavans Munshi Vidyashram, I had the honor of connecting with Shri Ramankutty Sir, the Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, which happens to be my alma mater. This encounter was particularly special as he joined the session solely to say hello, recalling me and my sister as former students. Such a heartfelt gesture filled me with emotion, especially during a session on emotional health where managing my own emotions became essential. Shri Ramankutty Sir took pride in the fact that his students are thriving and returning to the school as faculty members. The school's principal is another distinguished former student. These sessions that foster connections are truly uplifting, and it's even more heartwarming because parents organized them. The fact that over 235 participants joined on a Sunday evening underscores the strong network between parents and the school. It highlights the importance of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), which I now realize is invaluable. The acronym "OLD is GOLD" encapsulates the essence of the session: - O (Online): Online education is here to stay. It's crucial to adapt parenting strategies, engage in open conversations, encourage outdoor activities, and create opportunities for learning beyond the internet. - L (Listen, Laugh, Love, Let Go): Listen attentively to children until they finish speaking. Maintain a sense of humor, show love, and let go of any hurt by addressing their pain and sharing your own on the same day. - D (Disagree, Discuss, Decide): Listening doesn't always mean agreement. It's essential to disagree when necessary but do so with dignity. Engage in discussions and reach decisions together, including establishing rules. - I (Intelligence, Information, Intentional): Intelligence involves knowing how to use information effectively. Parenting should be intentional rather than merely instructional. Focus on initiating meaningful communication as children imitate your actions. - S (Skill, Support, Seek): Prioritize skill development over specific subjects. Don't hesitate to seek help when needed. Schools offer significant support, but they cannot lead the entire journey. - G (Game of Life): Understand the rules of the game before blaming children or gadgets. Establish clear rules in advance, gain knowledge about your child's gaming interests, and be well-informed about their online activities. - O (Open Access, Organize): Open access is acceptable, but remember that you are responsible for your child's online actions before they turn 18. Organize their online and offline time, and remember that it's okay for them to make mistakes. Your role is to educate, not merely punish. - L (Law, Look, Late, Link): Learn the law and understand that "Shiksha" can mean both punishment and education. Observe changes in behavior, especially emotions. Address issues with a focus on anxiety rather than simply lecturing. If listening alone doesn't resolve the problem, link with professionals before it's too late. - D (Daily Tables): Implement daily routines in your home, such as having meals together at the dining table, creating moments of delight, facilitating open dialogue, and providing a space for everyone to share their emotions daily. Just as we care for our physical health every day, mental health deserves the same attention. This session emphasized the importance of embracing change, fostering communication, and supporting each other in the journey of parenting and education. It was truly a heartwarming and enlightening experience. 🙏❤
