Apropos the article “Preaching tips for papa,” published on June 21, I remember my father’s negligence, ignorance, aloofness and nonchalance towards me, which left the deepest scar in my heart.
My father always told me that I couldn’t score well or find success in my professional life and that I was a weak, meek, sickly child. Repeatedly listening to these comments gave me low self-esteem, made me introverted, sensitive, and unable to stand up for myself.
It took me many years to overcome the negative impression I had about myself. My mother played the role of both my parents. It’s because of her that I could become a good and balanced human being.
I am now in my 30s and my mother is still a friend. My father is dependent on me.
Parenting is not easy. Let your children share their thoughts with you. Encourage them if they have done well. That will build confidence. Let them become self-reliant and find their own voice. Don’t force your decisions or opinions on them. Children should want to rely on their parents and not run away from them.
Pallabi Chatterjee,
Rabindrapally, Kestopur
l My son and I both read this article and found much that we could relate to. As the mother of a teenage son, my biggest challenge is in trying to become a respectable friend to him.
The cartoon illustrations in the article were attractive too, especially for my son, as were the box of quick-fix tips on parenting.
Sonali Das,
CL Block
lWe see relationships deteriorating all around us, mostly due to misguided teachings.
Parents today force children to study at the cost of extra-curricular activities. This makes kids lose respect for their elders.
Bijoy Narayan Choudhury,
Jal Vayu Vihar
lI wish this article had been written 45 years earlier! Looking back, I find that I have not defaulted much, but could still improve in certain areas.
Incidentally, the article in the same week’s edition — “Save-mangrove crusade by AB Block couple” — was another educative article, the subject of which should be an extra curricular activity in every school.
Kajal Chanda,
BC Block