Little joys of childhood?

With all those parental pressures, addictive gadgets, structured activities and gender stereotyping, is there a childhood anymore for our children?

There was a question in Quora that went something like, what should I do to help my six-year-old son get into the IIT in the future? I read that twice, and yes, that was the question. So, this is what our aspirations for our six-year-olds have come to.

What about age-appropriate motor, speech and social skills? More important, what about the child’s own wishes? Does the child not deserve a chance to decide for himself or herself?

Aiming the best for our children is one thing, but thrusting our aspirations on them (even before they could speak for themselves) is another.

Let kids be kids

We all want a secure future for our progeny but wouldn’t the world become a better place if we focussed half of our attention on raising compassionate and empathetic kids? Financial success matters but shouldn’t our children learn to respect nature and become responsible citizens?

Is it not fun to enjoy a sport, musical instrument, art or craft for the sheer joy of it? Should they all come tagged with financial gains or competition? Do our kids need so many extra classes that they are hard-pressed for time? Free play is important, too. It enables children to use their creativity and develop imagination. They also learn about the world around them, build self-confidence and develop social skills through play.

Is ignoring our mother tongue and talking in English to our infants worth it? Our kids need English to sustain themselves in the globalised world, but should it be at the cost of our native languages?

Let toys be toys

Our homes are exploding with toys and gadgets. Do the latest gadgets and gizmos guarantee a better future for our kids? Definitely not as much as the bond a child develops with his/her parents.

Where are the simple joys of running wild, climbing trees, chasing butterflies, digging bugs and playing with mud gone? These are time-tested methods to learn, grow, and be healthy.

And, who says our sons can’t be sensitive or play with dolls? As girls get to be future mothers, boys get to be future fathers, so what’s wrong if he wants to care for a baby doll? Again, who says our daughters can’t play with cars, trains, or building sets? Why can’t she play with plain old blocks to build rockets, trucks, or whatever she wants to build? Is it necessary to buy the pink ones that are themed around cake and juice shops? And, why have role models in the unrealistic-looking princesses who seem to wait for their knights in shining armour? Give the ‘different’ princesses like Moana or Merida a chance.

Baby steps

As parents, we can only be our children’s companion, guiding them through the intricate paths of life. It is not for us to lead or drag them into ours.

So, go gadget-free to ‘be’ with your child... to play games, read books and tell stories. Value and respect your child’s opinions. Go out and explore the big and bright world with your child. And, believe in your child.

And, when going gets tough, just listen to the song by Louis Armstrong: I hear babies cry. I watch them grow/ They’ll learn much more than I’ll ever know/ And I think to myself What a Wonderful World!

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