“Taare Zameen Par,” a heart-touching movie directed by Aamir Khan, significantly highlights the adverse impacts of parental pressure. The Awasthis, the parents of Ishaan—one of the protagonists—unintentionally inflict severe emotional distress on their child through their unrealistic academic expectations and critical attitudes. Here’s a guide on how not to be parents like the Awasthis and ensure you create a nurturing and supportive environment for your children.
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Who are the Awasthis?
The Awasthis, namely Mr. and Mrs. Awasthi, are the parents of Ishaan in “Taare Zameen Par.” Their parenting techniques, driven by unfulfilled expectations and social comparisons, induce unintentional trauma in Ishaan, manifesting in low self-esteem and severe anxiety. Their inability to comprehend his unique struggles exacerbates his feelings of inadequacy, leading to his emotional breakdown. The pivotal takeaway from this portrayal is a lesson in the importance of supportive and understanding parenting. Let’s delve into actionable steps to ensure you don’t inadvertently follow in the Awasthis’ footsteps.
Promote Open Communication
What the Awasthis Did:
In the quest for Ishan’s academic success, his parents often resorted to punishment and scolding, completely missing out on calm, constructive dialogue. Instead of fostering an environment where Ishaan felt safe to express his thoughts and emotions, they created an atmosphere of fear and anxiety.
What You Should Do:
Create communication channels where your child feels heard and valued. Encourage open discussions about their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of reprimand or judgmental responses. This trust-building measure will facilitate a robust emotional bond and enhance your child’s mental health.
Avoid Comparing
What the Awasthis Did:
Constant comparisons between Ishaan and his high-performing brother further drilled into Ishaan’s psyche that he was not good enough. This consistently reflected negatively on his motivation and self-worth.
What You Should Do:
Each child is an individual with unique talents and journeys. Celebrate your child’s achievements, however small, and acknowledge their unique strengths and capabilities. By fostering individual respect, you encourage self-esteem and motivation.
Prioritize Encouragement Over Criticism
What the Awasthis Did:
The Awasthis predominantly fixated on critiquing Ishaan’s academic failures rather than encouraging his artistic strengths. This relentless criticism drained his confidence and enthusiasm for learning.
What You Should Do:
Shift the focus from what your child is not good at to what they excel in. Continuous encouragement and recognition of their talents, interests, and hidden abilities can significantly boost their confidence and passion for personal growth.
Be Attuned to Signs of Distress
What the Awasthis Did:
Critical signs of Ishaan’s distress were overlooked by the Awasthis. Changes in behaviour, school-related frustration, and emotional upheavals were disregarded or mistaken as defiance or laziness.
What You Should Do:
Empathetically observe your child’s behaviour and remain sensitive to any significant changes. Understand that these changes can indicate underlying issues or distress. Open conversations about their feelings and struggles can provide crucial insights into their mental and emotional health.
Educate Yourself about Mental Health & Learning Differences
What the Awasthis Did:
Mr Awasthi’s ignorance of Ishaan’s mental health and his dyslexia led to misinterpretations of his struggles as indiscipline. This was a major factor contributing to Ishaan’s psychological and emotional challenges.
What You Should Do:
Empower yourself with knowledge about various learning styles and potential disabilities. This understanding can foster a better approach to your child’s unique needs. Seeking external support and working closely with educators or specialists can markedly improve your child’s learning experience and overall well-being.
The One Thing Your Child Needs the Most is Your Support!
“Taare Zameen Par” serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of parental support and understanding. The journey to becoming the best version of themselves starts with your support, encouragement, and acceptance, especially in the face of mental health challenges or learning differences.
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Remember: A mental health challenge does not define your child’s worth or potential. Your unwavering support can make all the difference in their world, fostering resilience, self-confidence, and happiness. Being an empathetic, informed, and supportive parent will help ensure that your child never feels inadequate or less valued.
By embracing these principles, you can become the nurturing parent that every child needs to flourish, starkly different from the parenting pitfalls portrayed by the Awasthis. Let’s strive to be the pillar of strength and support that our children rightfully deserve.
