Effective Principals 2020 | Ms. Manila Carvalho, Principal of Delhi Public School

Parents are one of the most important stakeholders in a child’s education. What should be the extent of parental involvement in a child’s education?

“Charity begins at home.” Therefore the seeds of all our learning germinate on the profound foundation of the bedrock of our homes. Thus, parents emerge as our foremost trainers and mentors, playing a pivotal role in nurturing the child and instilling in them emotional stability, social security, confidence, self-esteem, ethical living and so on. Consequently, they become the major stakeholders in a child’s life. The involvement in their wards’ education is imperative to compliment the development of the child.

Every child is unique and therefore parents must appreciate and acknowledge their individuality. Each child needs his/her own space to grow and bloom. Thus, over-protecting and over-doting parents might hinder the natural blossoming of their child’s character. Excessive over shadowing and holding the child under the clutches may result in a lack of self-confidence and a lopsided development of personality.

During the initial years of schooling, parents must ensure that learning is a continuous process even at home.  Children need to be trained to learn and work independently at their study table and ask for any assistance only when needed. As the child grows, parents must encourage independent study habits, but at the same time monitor the progress taking place. When children reach high school, they must be able to handle their academics on their own. The early years of follow up by the parents and the right guidance rendered will enable the child to move forward in the right direction seamlessly.

During adolescence,  children do not prefer much parental intervention in their day-to-day work; rather they develop a penchant for their peers. At this time parents must provide a conducive and happy atmosphere at home by creating opportunities for family discussions, family dinner, outings, etc so that this  family time will allow children to establish strong bonds and will not let children get attracted to wrong paths or unpleasant habit formation. Parents must ensure that they do not nag their children for trivial issues especially before others. We must remember the dictum – “Criticize in private and praise in public.”

It is essential for parents to focus on their child’s interest and aspirations and guide them accordingly towards an apt career path. Too much obsession from the parents’ side may take a twist in a negative direction which may lead to disaster. Expecting a fulfilment of their unfulfilled dreams in their children often leads to a disturbed phase for  a child. All of us need a certain amount of push to pursue our dreams as well as strive for perfection. Therefore, the right amount of motivation needs to be instilled for the desired result. Remember never to push your children against the wall where they will find only blockage everywhere. This experience for any child can be truly disturbing which may lead them to a situation which would be finally unacceptable to all.

Let us understand that education is not confined to marks. It is the life skills that the child imbibes during his formative years that will help him embrace success. We should ensure that the profound learning that happens in our everyday life will help us walk the path of life with gratification.

Effective Principals 2020 | Ms. Manila Carvalho, Principal of Delhi Public School

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