A mutual responsibility
Dear Sir,
In response to the letter “Shock at school” (Gulf Times, April 8), I do agree that going to school for the first time is a “big day” in the life of children and their parents. It was really sad that the parent, who wrote the letter, could not meet the expectations they had about their son’s first day at school.
But let me make a few comments about the letter in general. The letter says: “Children don’t want to come out of their own world which consists only of parents and siblings.” This is not true. The world of our children is created by parents and teachers. The way how we adults behave and act is followed closely by our children. It is a fact, especially in the Gulf region, that parents don’t allow their children to come out of their protective framework. Unless and until we allow our children to have more exposure, it is natural that they become nervous and anxious when facing new experiences and people.
Expectation is another factor to be considered here. Parents should not instil unrealistic hopes in children.
It is recommended that parents send their children to some pre-schools for at least two months before sending them to a proper school in order to dispel their fears.
Schools are definitely children’s second home and teachers are their immediate guardians there. This mutual understanding between parents and teachers would contribute to the child’s overall growth and development.
Teaching at schools has never turned to become a business, as the letter implies. It’s still a noble profession where teachers shape the future generations. One should not generalise things.
Let us, as parents and teachers, understand our great roles in the lives of our kids and thus work together to make their lives a better one and spend more of our precious time with them.
Jency George
Parent counsellor
(Address supplied)
Send kids to nurseries
Dear Sir,
The letter “Shock at school” (Gulf Times, April 8) by Dr Jabir Vayalil portrayed the true feelings of parents taking their children to schools for the first time. It is an important day for both parents and their children. Their feelings are a mixture of fear, anxiety, excitement just before stepping into the school. And it is natural.
The best way to prepare children for schooling is to send them to nurseries and kindergartens. This will teach them how to interact with their peers and give them a general idea of how a school works.
NH
(Full name and address supplied)
