From making a living to living

‘Parvarish’ — a word that defines a child’s values, how they’ve been brought up, their nature, education and what not. If a child says namaste to their elders, their ‘parvarish’ is considered good. However, if they say hello to their elders, their ‘parvarish’ is considered bad and the blame goes on the parents.

Likewise, if a child doesn’t answer back, they have values and respect but if a child answers back, they are considered snobs.

Why are there still people who are bad at their jobs? Why do people commit suicide? Is it because parents have too many expectations? Is there a way we can prevent all this? Can we prepare children for the real world? So many questions but unfortunately our engineers and doctors have still not found the answers.

Once I was relating the fairy tale Cinderella to my cousin sister but after reading the story, I told her that there may not be a Prince Charming who’s going to rescue you. You might not find a fairy godmother and you may have to fight your own battles. Cinderella is not someone you should look up to, but an example of someone you should not become.

“I would love to see parents telling the truth to their children, talking to them about people, diversity, and equality and telling them about the world, what could possibly go wrong and how to face it.”

I would love to see parents telling the truth to their children, talking to them about people, diversity, and equality and telling them about the world, what could possibly go wrong and how to face it. Please don’t tell us that people will be as sweet as sugar, tell us that they can be rude and not partial. Tell us about how everyone is great in their own way; they can be totally different and have imperfections but we shouldn’t judge anyone. Tell us that people will die, we may lose people close to us but we should move on. Tell us that we will have bad times but we’ll also have good times. That way we’ll have fewer expectations from the world and be prepared.

Ever thought that it is okay for children to not know what to do when they grow up? Instead of pressurizing us, think about the consequences. If we make decisions promptly, without thinking, the opposite of what you want may happen. Many adults are not happy with what they do and are still finding themselves because they were pushed to make decisions when they were young. Let’s start thinking and prevent the future generation from becoming another mishap. Let’s not teach children how to make a living, but how to live.