Why nanny, when there’s mummy?

Bringing up a child is no easy task. The parents of today are fully aware of this. On Saturday, over 50 parents got together in St Joseph’s Boys High School to discuss the issues involved in bringing up their little ones. The forum proved to be an eye-opener for parents, as they exchanged views with school teachers, principals, and other parents.

The current scenario is quite challenging. “Lack of time and increase in work pressure is having a negative impact on the child’s upbringing,” said Anthony Sagayaraha, a volunteer of Project Life.

Arvind, a parent said: “If a child is naughty and disobedient, he must be punished so that the child does not repeat the same mistake.”

However, mere punishment will not solve problems. “Parents should train children in such a way that they remain righteous even when they grow old. It would make a lot of difference when the child grows under the direct supervision of a parent rather than a nanny,” Sagayaraha said.

The environment in which a child is brought up also matters. “Earlier, people used to live in joint families and children used to get a lot of attention from parents and relatives.

Now that the concept of nuclear family has gained prominence, things have changed and children don’t get the attention they deserve,” he said.