Hey there, my people! So, I’m a mom to a cute and somewhat shy 4-year-old boy who recently had an open house at his school, which, as we all know, can trigger a mother’s worry radar. He’s currently attending “Bachpan school,” and I was discussing his progress with his teacher. The teacher had some really positive feedback, highlighting his strengths and offering support in areas where he needed a little catch-up. She was extremely encouraging. This chat with the teacher took me on a trip down memory lane, back to my own school days.
I vividly remembered a particular incident from my fifth-grade year. It was an English exam, and we were tasked with writing an essay on one of four given topics. Now, English was my absolute favourite subject, and I was excited to dive into it. I ended up writing an essay that incorporated all four topics – I was feeling pretty smug about my intellectual prowess. I even had a cocky moment when I passed a senior in the hallway, thinking, “I’m way ahead of your IQ, darling.” Throughout the day, I daydreamed about my teacher’s reaction and imagined her asking me to read my essay in front of the class. I was on cloud nine, it felt like I was about to receive an Oscar, and soon the world will be in awe of my brilliant brilliant mind.
But you guys must have guessed by now: disaster struck, and I received a big, fat 0 for my essay. Why, you ask? Well, my teacher said I was supposed to write about just one topic, not all four. My 12-year-old self couldn’t fathom what I had done wrong. My confidence was shattered, and I became afraid to get creative in my writing after this incident. I focused solely on getting good grades, like most of us did back in those days. It took more than 15 years for me to realize that I could actually write well. Even though my essay may have been a mess, it had potential. If my teacher had encouraged and guided me instead of just marking me down, this blog might have been around for a decade by now.
As a child, it’s not just the physical scars that leave a mark; emotional scars run much deeper. It’s vital to nurture young minds and be supportive. I’m thrilled to see that the system is changing, and I’m grateful that my son has a wonderful relationship with his teacher. I’m also glad that the 12-year-old inside me is finally content. And let’s not forget us parents – we sometimes need to remind ourselves to give our children the time and space to shine on their own. In this rat race, even the sanest parents can go a bit crazy.”
Love & Ice-creams
Sneha Singhvi.