From Chalk to Chatbots: Rethinking Parenting in the modern age

Recently attended a High school PTM ( Parents teachers

meet ) and the experience evoked a mix of emotions in me.

The new generation teachers are so well equipped to understand the current kids who are under so much influence of AI and social media.They instill the necessary discipline, make kids understand the concepts ,also the importance of values and studies in a way which resonates with this tech led generation.They are friends, guardians and mentors.They enjoy some fun lighter moments at times matching the young vibes. They ensure that kids feel like coming to school and pay attention in class and not just study from the online coaching so easily available.

This generation teachers are very different from the teachers we have grown with.We had immense respect but a lot of fear, the teaching used to be limited to books and we always felt a generation gap.We loved and still love our teachers but we could never imagine them in a place of friendship. They always have been our guides and guardians.

While teachers have changed, sadly the perspective of many parents remain same. My observation has been that majority of times irrespective of class, parents are generally concerned about scores and grades. Yes school is about studies but it is just not limited to that. I strongly feel school is place for kids to bloom and explore the various facets of their personality.Its the most safest place where kids can experiment, learn , fail and understand about things which shape their thought process and personality.Being a school topper myself I realised this much later in life that studies and scores can make you successful only till a point but if you have to be a winner in life it takes much more than good marks for sure.Very few parents are concerned if the child is happy and cheerful, able to converse, do public speaking, play a sport with interest, or take part in extra curricular activity.Whether a child is able to express his feelings, whether he has empathy is so crucial. Even if child is lacking in extra curricular or co curricular arena parents are not stressed as much as they are when kids lose marks in a class test or exam. With the rising competition everywhere every parent feels kid should excel ,get good college, good degree and make a good career.But as parents are we bothered about equipping these kids with dealing with situations not as per their choice. Are we teaching them to be happy and be balanced in adverse situations. Are our conversations going beyond degrees, money and materialistic attainments.Even an IIT student quits graduation mid way, top executive gets laid off suddenly or a running enterprise goes into losses. Do we make them understand that setbacks are part and parcel.What they consume on social platforms is all glamorous and happy happy. Do they realise what goes behind the process. Do we try to connect them to roots.. Do we give them space to express themselves freely in a way they feel comfortable. In the kind of volatile environment today our society is, are we making them understand the importance of bondings, social commitments and values. Small lessons in school life can go a long way in shaping up these young minds.

We want our future generations to be happy and fulfilled and not just overburdened by technological advancements and competition.We all need to envision an environment for kids to grow in full glory.