As a school principal, I have the opportunity to meet parents regularly. Each meeting leaves me with a series of lingering questions — some I find answers to, while others I’m still trying to figure out.
At the Pre-Primary level, parents are usually highly involved in every aspect of their child’s school life — from packing their bags to tying their shoelaces. They enthusiastically attend every event, constantly communicate with teachers, and take pride in tracking their child’s learning milestones. However, as children move up to higher grades, this involvement gradually becomes passive in the name of making them independent. So passive, in fact, that some parents forget which class or section their child is in, and even miss scheduled interactions with the school. Communication becomes limited to report cards and exam results, while regular dialogue with the child about their school life slowly disappears. Leaving children to navigate academic and emotional challenges on their own. This gradual disengagement, though unintentional, can create a disconnect that affects both academic performance and emotional well-being.
Over the years, priorities have undoubtedly shifted. Work pressure, the stress of competition, and insecurities in the workplace have become the primary focus for many parents.
Interestingly, things change again when students reach the board classes. Suddenly, the rules tighten. Monitoring increases — from how much time children spend in the bathroom to the minutes spent outside with friends. This abrupt shift only adds to the existing stress and performance pressure students face.
I often wonder what goes through children’s minds as they watch their parents shift roles so quickly. For them, this becomes the definition of parenting — reactive rather than consistent.
Of course, there are exceptions. But in general, the scenario described above is all too common. It’s contributing to a generation of young learners who are struggling to handle pressure.
Why can’t children be a priority at every stage?
Quality time with children should become the norm. A living room filled with family members glued to their gadgets does not define “quality time.” Today’s students are so burdened by competition that many are unable to cope with failure. This, sadly, is why we are witnessing a growing number of school children taking drastic steps — sometimes even ending their lives.
The irony is painful: parents spend long hours away from home to provide a better future for their children — yet, they aren’t always present when their children need them the most.
It’s time for parents to realize that their children need their presence more than their presents. At every stage — in every phase — children need emotional connection more than material comforts.
This is a wake-up call. Let’s invest quality time in our children. Let’s be emotionally available. Let’s redefine success — not just in terms of marks and medals, but in the strength of the parent-child bond.
“Let’s invest time in our children — more than we invest in material things.”
