Children are like fiddle strings

If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence. But most of the time parents forget the importance of that. In the name of discipline we are actually commanding the children more than giving them the praise of appreciation.

If he sits in one corner, plays with his toys and doesn't disturb us then we think he is good. If he starts jumping here and there then we start shouting at him. The reason is parents spend too little time with their children. If we show a little bit of tolerance, then automatically children will learn how to be patient.

How you encourage them is of paramount importance, rather than allowing your anger to come in. When you ask the child to listen to you, remember the child expects the same from you. When he or she comes back from school he or she might have lots of incidents to share with you. Encourage him to give his own account of story. Never tell him: "Don't disturb me now".

Children love toys very much. But the real toy they want to play with is their parents. Show an example of being a wonderful parent; you will get a wonderful and spontaneous result from the child. A good parent is the child's most effective teacher. A good parent is the key to wisdom for a child. A good parent is the child's best friend.

Childhood is so short and precious. They are after all tender bambinos. Children are not like our hands that we can command them to clap, to say welcome, to raise them or lower them. Every child has his or her own way. They are like fiddle strings. The more slowly you play them the result you get is fine melodious music. But if you play them the other way then for sure the strings are going to become brittle. Well, the choice is yours.

UMA RAMAKRISHNAN

Jakarta