Re-opening of Schools

Author: Amrita Mallik

While the children are super excited to go to school, as a full-time mother, I am more desirous of the new beginning.

My kid is in Class I. And, his exams are starting from 21st February. The sudden decision to reopen the schools has meant offline exams. This hasn’t been taken nicely by the parents.

There has been an online meeting with the school authorities. The parents have been convincing them to make the exams online. Since the children have been in their homes for 2 years, they will find it difficult to adjust. They have been panicking over their performance as well.

However, since it’s the government’s decision, it cannot be altered. The principal or the teachers and the management cannot do anything. Hence, the offline exams will be undertaken.

What I have found odd about the parents’ unrest is, more than the marks, isn’t it required to teach the children to be prepared for extempore? Life can never be according to plans we always make.

Sometimes, it hits a sixer or throws a bouncer. And, we aren’t ready for that, like the lockdown.

Moreover, we parents, won’t be with them forever- be it as a physical or emotional support. What will
the kids do then?

We all know that since the pandemic has made us rethink, re-plan and revise, examinations held, this time, will be considered. The teachers are continuously pointing to this fact. They will lend their help towards the children. Another interesting pointer has been that the children should grow up to be
decent human beings. Marks or degrees don’t promise that. And, failure doesn’t end everything.

I’ve always been cool and patient. I haven’t faced any exam fever or tension. And, touchwood, my child is also like me. I’m proud of this deviation from like father, like son. Although I’m preparing him for the exams, I’m insisting that no body, especially my fretting husband, discourages him.

Let him be him. For Class 1 final examination there’s no need to make him afraid and robotic.

In fact, I’ll urge every parent to be kind and nice to the kids. Let’s not place our expectations and fright upon the little shoulders. The pandemic hasn’t been considerate, but we can always be.