For parents, knowing their child’s aptitude is the key
Counsellor Rima Sehgal says that judging children’s aptitude should be parents’ top priority, reports Ravi Bajpai.
The Board results are just the beginning of a gruelling three months ahead for both parents and students, who need to work extra hard to ensure they chose the right graduation course, counsellors say.
Judging children’s aptitude should be parents’ top priority, counsellor Rima Sehgal said. Class XII exam results should not be the sole criteria for choosing a graduation course and parents should not push students into popular courses mindlessly, they add.
“Several offbeat courses are available these days. Parents need to objectively analyse their children’s unique qualities. If somebody has fared poorly in the exams, parents should look for some unique qualities that will hold their children in good stead professionally,” she said.
Going in for professional career counselling is a good option, Apeejay Sheikh Sarai-I principal Sarita Manuja said. “Delhi University has an array of courses and parents should fully support their children in the coming months.”
“Parents should try to find out their children’s real interests and consider a change of course, if need be. Boards marks should not be the deciding factor while choosing a career option,” she said.
Central Board of Secondary Education-affiliated counsellors were flooded with distress calls from panicky students and parents on Friday.
“I have not fulfilled my father’s expectations and he is unhappy with me. I cannot face him,” said a caller, who scored 52 per cent and cried through the 20-minute conversation.
Counsellor Rima Sehgal spoke to the girl’s mother, who said her child had good social skills and qualities.
Sehgal warned parents to avoid transferring their stress to the children. “They are obviously worried but if this stress is made apparent, it can lead to the child going into acute depression. It is not only dangerous for the child’s morale but can also make the admission process difficult,” said Sehgal.