Be School Assessment Wise

PARENTING COLUMN

June is the month for school assessments for most educational institutions in this part of the country. Hence every household with a school going child is brimming with study and revisions. June evenings in most such homes is usually characterized with a solemn atmosphere as parents and guardians coax and threat their children to study for the upcoming assessments.

It is extremely important to understand that the manner in which we handle and equip our children for assessments in their early childhood lays the foundation on which they perceive their future academic assessments. I am sure we all agree that in our lifetime there are numerous examinations that we appear for. I vividly recall most of those exams and realise that they made me feel more inadequate and unworthy. Thankfully I had understanding parents who took the time and effort to really view the "real me" behind all those endless exams!

As parents it is imperative that we provide a stress-free environment for our children. Generating the interest for learning is of utmost importance especially when children are young. Rather than learning to score marks for exams there should be an interest inculcated towards the learning process itself.

I do agree that there are a lot of societal pressures- be it from educational institutions, friends and family. However, if one is clear with one's own ideology as a parent the opinions of those around us really do not play much of a role. When our children observe us remaining calm and composed regarding studies, it actually calms them too. It enables them to learn at their own pace and own interest. This goes a long way in inculcating the habit of regular self-study or preparations for assessments.

When we as parents allow ourselves to feel overwhelmed regarding marks etc. it rubs off on the child. They start perceiving the world around them basis various criterions that might definitely feel overwhelming for them. It is imperative to strive to provide a non-judgmental environment where the child is able to grow and thrive at his/her own pace. Eventually with emotional maturity most children are able to comprehend the role of assessments in the education system and plan and prepare for the same. However, the more we as parents "nag" about studies the more disinterested are the children regarding studies.

Apart from engaging in textbook study, one could also help to develop the interest of learning about topics through other methods. Maybe a visit to the Science Museum on a free day together will work wonders in sparking curiosity. I would recommend the family to simply walk around the different exhibits. It is really not important that the child understands each and every thing he/she sees. The emphasis should be on exposure and experiences. Engaging on discussions regarding various topics or daily events around us is also an effective way to help generate interest on various subjects. Our role as parents is to provide the information and platform. Also, most importantly we should offer our time. I do understand that these days it is very difficult to put aside time. But it is not impossible. Maybe we should cut down on our cell phone scrolling, or miss out on that Netflix show and simply sit down and "be there" for our children. Remember that this "especially extracted time" creates a world of difference for your child.

Yes I absolutely agree that no one said parenting was easy! But as those trusting eyes look up to you don't they pull at all those right heartstrings?

So as your child prepares for that upcoming assessment or is appearing for the same, take a long, deep breath and react after a pause. Trust me it creates a world of difference.

Happy Parenting!

Ms. Gariasi Dutta,

certified in Addiction Counselling and psychological counsellor

Down Town Hospital, Guwahati

The writer can be contacted at

dutta.gariasi@gmail.com

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