Let Them Be Kids

My cellphone rang. It was my three-year old nephew on the other side, who started singing the title song from the recently released Hindi movie, "Rock On". Normally, he gives me a call at his wish, without even informing or asking his mom (my elder sister). And believe me, he sang it with perfection and in a clear voice, pronouncing each and every word exactly like the original one. I was surprised and kept mum for a few seconds. Then, could not stop but praise him by saying, "Ten-on-ten!" He was overjoyed and soon handed over the phone to his mom.

He is an element of study for me who constantly keeps on surprising me by performing such unimaginable acts. And every time, I have to say, "Wow! ten-on-ten!" This is a compliment he is getting used to. His school teacher is slowly imbibing in him the habit of earning this 'gift'. Be it a class test or a homework, he is always expected to get a "ten-on-ten". It was hard to believe for me, at least in the case of a three-year old kid. But, this is the reality that every child is facing in today's world of cut-throat competition, perfection and complexities.

Modern-day kids have got all the unique attributes to be regarded as 'special'- they can do everything so perfectly which we can not even imagine putting ourselves in their shoes. They are matured, aggressive, intellectually gifted, emotionally at par with their parents (as far as 'emotional blackmailing' is concerned) and always one-step ahead. Their message is pretty clear: "Do not mess with us". They mean business, and their attitude is no non-sense.

Archit, the seven year-old son of my next door neighbour, has to put on very high power spectacles, and visit the optician every month. Every morning, he has to carry his overloaded schoolbag to the bus stop where he boards the schoolbus; after coming back home, in the afternoon, he gets an hour's rest and then rushes for the tutions; having attended tutions, his mom takes him to the swimming club. Spending an hour there, after he enters home, he only feels like sleeping. But he is permitted to hit the bed only after he has completed his homework. Very rarely do I see him playing in the park adjacent to our apartment. On Sundays, or for that matter, when he is not studying or sleeping, he is either glued to Cartoon Network or playing Computer Games. He is more close to Scooby Do, Popeye and Max Payne than his family members.

At times, I feel the modern day kid is not living its own life. He or she is never expected to break certain rules and enjoy the self that lies within. The self tries to come out but is often supressed. Of course, it is crucial for the parents to guide them and keep a tab on their activities. At the same time, it is necessary to provide them their required space, understand their priorities and empathize with them. Equipped with super qualities, at some point in time, they will prepare themselves to run the race of life. But, for the meantime, let them relish the most priced phase, childhood.