The level of competition children face in studies is increasing day by day. Children are more stressed and overburdened than perhaps their parents were during their schooling. How do parents, especially when both are working, face this challenge? In this issue of Mom & Pop, we spoke to Asif Khan, an Assistant Professor and his wife Deeba Asif.

As a mother of a young child, I personally feel that education process has changed over the years. I remember when I was a child, my education was different, in the way that books formed a big source of knowledge and were considered a treasure. But now scenario has changed, children today have different ways to acquire knowledge. Now learning comes from the use of technology and internet, which has changed the entire process of teaching and learning. It, of course, has an advantage. I believe teaching should begin from parents. Tuitions are required if you think your child needs extra guidance or if parents are working and find it difficult to give proper time to their children. In that case, private tuition can help. We can always talk to our children in a way that makes them comfortable. Communication is the key. If we tend to be strict and stubborn, the problems can aggravate. T ime spending is important. The more time you spend with your child the more you will come to know their behavior. The relation has to be friendly. Only then the gap can be narrowed.

Today’s children are more overburdened then we were in our times. I see my little girl struggling all day. They have a lot of competition all around. The level of education is complicated now. Even small children have to undergo a lot of stress, and face pressure to perform. The times are difficult for them; they have to work harder. In fact, have to prove themselves in studies, extracurricular activities and other related things. We put efforts on children and in turn expect a lot more from them. Considering all this, it is our responsibility as parents to understand their position. They should be made to relax from time to time. We can help them by listening to their problems, by being part of their everyday stories. Children can be taught the balancing ways to relax and study. Play-way learning methods, outings, games, music, etc can be made part of their time table which can certainly lessen the burden. May be the gap (between parents and children) is widening, but it depends on parenting. No matter how busy parents we are, we have to take time out to listen, solve and be part of their issues; For instance, taking time to attend parent-teaching meeting of our child – don’t miss that.