Week-2 Day-4

RESPECTING EACH CHILD’S INDIVIDUAL GIFTS

Saathvik had invited Shreyas over to study for an important mathematics test. Struggling with a problem, Saathvik asked Shreyas for some help. When Saathvik’s mother saw this, she contemptuously said, “Shreyas is so much smarter than you. He can solve these problems so fast! Why are you so slow?”

His mother’s stinging words left Saathvik flushed with shame. 

Shreyas’ mother commented, “Shreyas really does love mathematics.”

Saathvik’s mother sighed, “Yes, my Saathvik isn’t as good a student as your darling Shreyas.”

Saathvik struggled to blink back his angry tears. He lowered his eyes to look at his book, but his thoughts were racing elsewhere. “Why does my mother always have to insult me in front of others,” he thought. “Does Shreyas run as fast as me or jump as high as me? Can he even play any sports? Why does my mother fail to realise my strengths and only focus on my weaknesses? Moreover, when Shreyas’ mother and my mother, Shreyas’ father and my father, Shreyas’ house and my house, Shreyas’ boy and my body, Shreyas’ height and my height … are all different, then why should mother be so surprised that our abilities in mathematics are different? What can she understand this?”

God has given each child unique talents and interests. Comparing your children academically or “measuring up” one sibling against another can discourage your child and lower their confidence, self-esteem and performance in school. The feeling of not being “good enough” makes children feel pressured, and they can consequently develop an inferiority complex, leading them. At tomes, to stop trying. 

For parents to ponder and reflect upon:

• Many parents live out their own unfulfilled ambitions through their children. Distinguish between your and your child’s goals and dreams and ensure that you are supporting your children in carrying out their individual journey and destiny and not yours. 

Get to this worksheet to get to understanding your own child’s abilities and gifts better and more mindful by the minute. We look forward to seeing your completed worksheets!