Parenting - Education/Literacy ?

EDUCATION/LITERACY

In  today’s  World  what  is  it  that  parents  want  from  their  children / off-springs?  Do they want them  to be literate  children  or  educated  children .  Whenever  we  speak   about  admitting children  to  school  or college(s), we talk about educating  our  children but do we actually do it?

DICTIONARY DEFINES LITERACY AS –

1)  The ability to read and write

2)   Competence  or knowledge  in  a  specified  area  eq. “Wine  literacy”

EDUCATION MEANS –

a.   The process of receiving/giving systematic instruction?

b.   The theory of and practice of teaching.

EN-MASSE  -  We try to make our children `literate/educated’  as  in 1) & 2)  and  as in  a) above , but have we succeeded in inculcating in our children   the  ability to –

v  Think before they  act

v  See/study/obseve/watch & react

v  Be punctual in all place

v  Be cleanly & neatly groomed

v  Handle themselves with dignity

v  Refrain from un-warranted acts/pettiness.

It is true  that children  today are influenced by the – MEDIA – TV/CARTOONS/CINEMAS etc. and SOCIETY AT LARGE  comprising of  --- Peers  from  play school  to  college,  people  other than parent(s), relatives, neighbours  and  acquaintances  etc.  They emulate the examples before them from early  stage  (without thinking about  them  in-depth)   and use   whatever mea ns available  to  achieve  what  they  want.

As  parent(s) what do we do?  Are we setting the right example? Are we also, not indulging  in  acts  which  does  not  suit  our age , maturity  or our position in life. Do  we  ever  stop  to   think , how our actions/ reactions  affect  -- us / our  family/ relative s and  most importantly our children? – NO.

 Citing  an  example - If, I don’t  want  my children  to  interrupt  me  during  a- phone  conversation, I should also  practice  the same  when they  talk  over  the  phone.  Children  learn  a  lot  from  observing  their parents  and  their  acts  rather  than act on  “HOW THEY ARE TAUGHT TO ACT BY THEIR PARENT”.  Parents  are  leaders/role-models   and  ones  who make  the  first  and  most lasting  impression  on  the  children .

BEING A PARENT IS NOT A POST/POSITION  BUT A STATE OF RESPONSIBITLY WHICH  IS IMMENSE.   We are in a position   guard  them   and  to GUIDE them  .  Till  an  appropriate     st(age).

Are we fulfilling it?

Parents  spend   a  lot  for   books,   tuitions,     extra classes, coaching classe,   music  / dance /art / sports  etc.  hoping  to  not only   educate their   children   but  also make  them   an  all  rounder   (!!!)  right  from the   age    of  two  .  The  child   is   seen   as   QUEEN/KING  and  practices so  established   that  the  need   of  the  child  comes  first   overcoming anything else.   The  child  should  be  able  to  get  good  marks  right  from   the  primary  school  and   able  to  dance  /  sing /   perform  on  stage  /   publish   its  work   and be  recognized   at a very  early  age  in   the  society   and  continue   at  the same  pace    as much  as  possible.

Once  the child  reaches   the   class  IX   then  all   attention   should   primarily   focus   on   studies   and  in  obtaining  the  maximum  mark s.

To  this  end,  no stone  is left   unturned  by  the parents   in  enrolling   the  child  in tuitions   /coaching  classes  / exclusive  attention  so   that  the  child  is  able  to get   minimum   of   cent per cent   if not more.   ------

 At  this  stage  a  lot  of  us  en  masse  do  the mistake  of  making  our children achieve  our aims  and  desires   to match  our whims and  fancies, than  allowing  them  to   set their goals .

When we think  back to the period twenty or twenty five years or so   when the revolution of science and technology was not so much -- we find that in comparison  there is a -total paradigm shift for  our  children  and  access /exposure to various mode of  communication technology aiding  their education and  adding to the highly  volatile level  of competition to do or un-do  situations,  which was not available to us  in our child hood. (thereby leaving us with all the necessary equipments  to enjoy our childhood)

The future of our children is more bleak  than  ours . We have not given  our child  healthy environment ,  open area  to play  and holidays  to rejoice  mainly  due to  reason  that we  ourselves  in this computer age, have little  time establish  the values of  healthy life, exercise and other out-door activities. 

The competition  is  so  intense  that a child has to  out-do others by a fraction of  a  mark inorder  to determine the course of child’s destiny  and that fraction  of mark  will  take a  heavy  toll in  her   path and  in the  future  attitude   of her   life.  This is not  to say  that  we did not have challenges, we did have our challenges  and  the same was met with limited  resource  and   the same  contributed  to our  growth. Let us  not pressurise them to become   an engineer / doctor / lawyer  or whatever failed ambitions we have .  Rather let  us allow  them  to pursue that  field which  they  think  will  help  them  to  fit   in the society.   We should not enforce our ideas  but  allow them to be independent and at the same time educate them   about  value  of life.  While  we  are  engaged  in  this  search  of  absolute  academic   achievements ----   to  the exclusion  of   everything  else    we fail to inculcate a lot of `humane’ values in the child.

It  is  best for a parent  to  identify  the   potential   the child  has  and  the  target   the child  wants  to  attain  and  help /contribute for attaining  the same.  It is also essential  for the parent to instill in the child  the  requirements  to be a  ‘humane’ being and  to contribute to the requirements  of   society  as much as possible .

. Right from her  birth  we  teach  them   to differentiate  between  various parts  of  the  body/plants  etc.,  similarly  the children  should  also   be taught   about   manners,   habits,   responsibilities,   behavior    and all other aspects of characters   for  a complete  development. as   an individual.

While we focus  all our  energy  on  academic  accomplishments   and  then   subsequent   career  with   “ good  prospects”   we  fail  to focus  on other  aspects  of  development   like  interpersonal  skill,  caring , sharing etc.   All   of   a sudden  one  fine day   when  we are  at the  end  of  the career  or   job     we  turn  to our  children  for help  and  support in our   post  retirement period.  When  doing  so  we  find  that   by  this  time  the children  are already  involved   in   the  cycle  mentioned  earlier  in respect   of  their offsprings   and   are  unable  to spare  time/attention/effort /money   to  us.

We  feel  rejected/dejected/lonely  and   tend  to  think   that   “  inspite  of  all   that  we  have   done   for  our  child/children  they  are  so  ungrateful  /selfish/self centered  etc……”

 If  we  want  to bring  about  a change    or inculcate  “values”  in  our  children   we need  to start  right  from   day  one. Honestly  speaking, I am, very concerned to  find a lot of mistaken  traits  and  habits  of  youngsters  of  today  which  is excused   by  parents  as –

Ø  THAT IS THE CHILD’D INDIVDUALITY.

Ø  SHE WILL NEVER GIVE IN – UNLIKE ME,

Ø  SHE WILL STAND FOR RIGHTS,?

It  is  not  that  children ,  being  children  ,should always  compromise /adjust/obey etc. but we should teach them to watch, observe and then to decide  on  issues  where  they  have  to  compromise  and where  they  standup.

In  today’s  nuclear  family  environment, when a child sees both parents giving her all priority ensuring that she goes to school and all needs  catered to, the child stands feeling that she is more important than anybody and her needs  first   OK.  It is not a crime to cater the childs needs  (3-4 yrs),  in  that  age.  But  right from that age. we need to emphasise the most  important aspect in the child that

---------THIS FAMILY  is a UNIT  which will  function  beautifully if all the  members  co-ordinate and function “together”. --------

 It is not required for  a 3 yr old to be lectured  upon  or do a heavy task , but in the process of getting ready to school/play-school , it is not wrong to tell her to  get her  basket, napkin and other  small items  and help  the parents in  getting  her ready  for the school. . A little bit of practice and continuous instilling of responsibility and words of encouragement giving confidence will ensure that the child will be a willing participant in days to come -- when both the parent s are getting slightly older physically and will necessarily need  and  appreciate the  participation  of  the child  and sharing of responsibilities by her.

Such activities of inclusion of the younger  family member in various acitivities of the family will inculcate in them, a feeling of belonging/responsibility/bonding and habit of SHARING which is almost absent  in today’ young generation for which I wouldn’t blame child.

I as a parent  continue to commit the mistake of buying 2 sets of colour pencils where one well do, to avoid conflict between siblings  which per-se though  not bad doesn’t  help in  inculcating  the habit of  sharing.

It is high time that we start thinking and changing  our attitudes and behaviours , mannerisms, if we want or children-to-be good citizens of the future.         

 Let us not  get hooked to various personalities’/ reflexes , but  try to ensure that the child becomes  what  he wants   and try explore her  potential to be a person on her own  and be confident  that    success which she wants  will  follow .

A piece of advice

Wednesday, September 04, 2013

A few words to my daughters....(including my nieces and friends of my daughters).......

As you know I have been quiet disturbed by a lot of happenings in our society and in and around our families and those of others, no matter what fun you make of me ,  to me all of you are equally dear . You may treat is as an advice, mokkai or not but  whatever you feel please give me a patient reading..You might wonder why I thought to write to you and not talk it over.. What happens when we talk is we get diverted and distracted and leave the main topic of discussion.

Dear Children, I request all of you to understand one thing in this life that  - Marriage is not the be all and end all  of life-  I have taken  great pains to avoid using words like “enna irunthalum samayka therriyanum ponnukku”, “ vera veetukku pora ponnu” etc… or statements like “ ponnu na samayka , kolam poda, peruka theriyanum etc…”

See. All of us need food , so we need to eat there is no discrimination on that factor, however if for  some reason you are not able to learn cooking it is okay.. it is not a great crime… You are intelligent smart  and adaptable children. What is important  in life is that you study well whatever field you chose… find a suitable employment or work to support yourself financially. See that you take steps to keep yourself independent after a few years like when you are 23 or so. It is not to say we parents will not support you, feed  you etc.. but as an individual it becomes your responsibility to become independent..

Apart from your education and related/unrelated employment… always please keep your eyes and ears open.. Knowledge in any form should be acquired, similarly skills. Cooking is an essential skill to keep yourself from hunger… all other skills which you consider essential or are fascinated can be LEARNT BY YOU AT ANY TIME AT ANY PLACE. There is no limit for learning or skill acquirement or talent improvement and skills can be mastered with practice.

Similarly, apart from your normal regular education it is also important that all other characteristics for an all round development of a human being is a must. What are they… as I always tell … A tree does not grow straight and give fruit… It grows step by step with small twigs ,branches, leaves flowers and fruits making it appealing both for visual impact and utility.

Similar , I want my children to be kind towards people around you, caring towards  your friends, family, associates and acquaintances…. Sincere in your work by either being a “smart worker or hard worker” responsible, presentable, approachable … and whatever other values you want to acquire..

But  there are a lot of other things that I do not want you to be…

Ø  Be harsh/sharp/curt/ rude  while using words or actions…. Please follow this within the family circle, immediate and outside and with your both immediate and extended friends circle.

Ø  Be disrespectful of people too.. In our life we will meet lot of people in varying ages , with whom we might not agree. Some of them will politely agree to disagree  some of them will think they are the knowall and end all of information and give illogical and unbelievable argument in an attempt to make their point… Please remember , I am not asking you to listen to their garbage.. but very politely and firmly, remove yourself from the argument or scene whichever is easier without hurting yourself and others.

Ø  Always stand up for your rights. See that your person- physical /mental /psychological person is not harmed by word or deed by any body.. family or others.   That is not to say compare yourself with your parents on an equal footing and try to justify your action. I agree with you in the sense that we are also not always correct, we have not come with a procedure manual as to how to bring out exceptional children who have only positive qualities and no negativity. I doubt if such an endeavour is possible but all of us are human beings likely to make  mistake   so even when we make some mistakes , be polite in telling us that our view points are incorrect.

Ø  There is no question of implicit obedience of any  body (exception your parents....I stand corrected here ..concept of implicit obedience may not always work for the betterment of you.. Hence i prefer you do not blindly obey or implicitly obey your parents too...) … However old they may be.  Politely but firmly desist from any act with  which you are not comfortable/ whomever they may be..

Ø  Please rememeber children that your parents will always be there for you to fall back on..Even when you commit a mistake or a mistake is committed against you..

Ø  I may shout, scold ,correct you , nag you but I am confident that my children are smart /intelligent/capable  and I would not like or entertain any body other than me correcting them and same goes for other mothers too.  My shouting nagging is only in an attempt for your well being and good upbringing, but I would not tolerate any body including my mom and mother-in-law saying a word against my children..as you are very well aware.

After this very big prelude   let me come to the crux of the matter.. MARRIAGE.

What is it?  It is a coming together of two different individuals into a relationship for a long term relationship, with or without thali ring etc. It is an act of living together with the societal sanction . In India , it is also the mingling of two families.. Whatever be the nature of marriage, what is important is the boy and girl are able to communicate with each other freely without inhibition.

Probably in love marriages it might take place early ( I am not very sure)  and in arranged marriages  it might be a little late. But whatever it is , what is ultimately required by you, is to watch out for the person who intend to marry. I do not care how the groom comes either through your selection or your parents but please ensure before you acquiesce that he is worthy of you. That is very important.  Any communication between you, any act of his or word or idea should not cause any kind of discomfort  to you.

Please remember children , even parents may not always judge rightly, and may make mistakes but no matter what--- you , your life and your worth comes first for me and nothing else. So please feel free to communicate to me or your parents  at any time any stage of your relationships if you have any doubts or apprehensions about the person chosen as your groom.

Also please remember, the word Adjustment is the most misused word in the institution of marriage. Adjustment does not mean to bend , bow and fall flat. It means to find a way in which both parties are able to find an amicable solution to any situation or problem without losing self respect. Every girl should be free in her birth place and marriage home. That is not to say that you can scold your inlaws as you do your parents or siblings, but in regard to your pace, work habits, freedom to eat, drink sleep intereact etal.

You should be the person to best judge a situation and decide whether it requires a compromise or not.. Involvement of parents/relatives and siblings of both sides in the life of the bride and groom will also cause unnecessary havoc. So use your best judgement skill and do what needs to be done. Never fear to garner support from immediate surroundings whenever you need it..

My children are worthy people , I do not want them to subjugate themselves in the institution of Marriage but have a very peaceful/fun filled life  with their partners…

Wishing you all the very best….

With lots of love and Regards

Prema

just a thought.

In this life, we meet a number of and face innumerable situations. In all those times, our reaction is usually, spontaneous, right/wrong. I feel that whatever we are , wherever we may go it is essential to observe the surroundings/environment and watch people. Adults and children should understand and strive to cultivate the habit of learning from each individual/experience/situation . Learning not only means what to do,how to do, how to act, how to speak ,how to react, but also includes learning what not to do, how not to be, how not to act , how not to speak and how not to react. In this world where Darwin's theory of "survival of the fittest" works. At every point of time silent observation will provide us the insight to handle things. Too much of credence to others opinion and thought,somehow sucks out our individuality. We should strive to act and behave, as we feel right and not as the society wants. I do not think that it is essential for a person to justify each and every stand or act he/she takes. This is applicable to all people irrespective of caste/creed/gender. In my twenty years of service, interaction and association with people belonging to both sexes and various strata of society, I feel that everyday is a lesson to me. I find a lot of qualities in my friends and associates which I want to cultivate and have failed and I do not want to cultivate but may have absorbed. No body has the authority to make judgements or become the moral police of another. Everything is relative and depends on the perspective of the viewer . No person can judge an act of another as right or wrong. It all depends on the situation, the mindset of that person, his ideas, needs or whatever.

young adults [adolscents]

We hear a lot about the youngsters of this ‘generation’. Almost all the parents feel that their teenage sons’ and daughters’ do not understand monetary problems, are not caring , do not have a sense of responsibility etc…. . All these days I have also been one among such parent. However, the events of February 15^th & 16^th , 2011 have given me a different perspective and better understanding of these youngsters.

My daughter’s classmate and good friend lost her father(who was 50 years old) on 15.02.2011. On 14^th he had complained of some uneasiness and the whole family , consisting of parents and 2 daughters, aged 10 and 17( my daughters classmate- priya) had been to the hospital. After examination and series of tests the Doctor declared that everything was normal and they could go home. The family came back home. 15^th February, started of as a normal day, the girl came to school , to face ongoing revision exams, being the class leader she had to stay back to carry out a few tasks assigned by the teachers and left later than her other classmates. Again around 7.30 pm her father complained of uneasiness and went back to the hospital. On examination, it was found that his Blood Pressure was very low and Sugar level extremely high and around 08.30 pm he suffered a massive attack and collapsed at 08.45 pm. The Doctors at the hospital tried their level best to revive him till 10.00p.m failed in their attempt and informed the family accordingly.

Priya’s classmate called her at 07.45 pm and was told that she was at the hospital. Another classmate called her at around and received no reply. On enquiry with other friends the fact that she was at the hospital came to light. Two boys and a girl of the class, went directly to the hospital to enquire as to what happened. The three youngsters stayed back with Priya and family till the Doctor’s declaration. The family had no means to discharge the ‘body’ and take it home. The trio of youngsters took care of the necessary arrangements for settlement of bill, discharge and transportation of Priya’s father, in an ambulance to Priya’s home and stayed with Priya , her mom and sister throughout the night.

They also informed one and all concerned like school authorities, relatives, friends and classmates. By the time the body was brought home, 4 other classmates joined them at their house and helped them .

16^th being a working day, the children just went back home to refresh themselves and attend the exams. The Principal during the assembly informed about the death and advised the students how they should support Priya in her time of grief. The whole school of around 350 students were in tears.

The children of Priya’s class both boys and girls were totally broken and in tears throughout the duration of the exams and the combined effort of the teachers and Principal could not console them. Priya’s father was well known among her school mates for his friendly approach and kindness. He had a very jovial and sunny personality and was well liked by these youngsters . In my daughter’s words “he was a man to whom one can relate to as a friend and Priya was very close to her father.” Immediately after exams the whole class went to Priya’s house.

The children stayed over there till the funeral which was around 03.00 p.m, and only after 05.30pm did they start leaving. Apart from this a few very notable acts of the children needs to be mentioned.

The ten year old sister of Priya fainted and Priya had an attack of epileptic fit . It was the class mates of Priya, [main role played by the trio- mentioned earlier] who revived the children, purchased food and drinks, coerced, cajoled and convinced children and mother to drink and eat something, and were there with the 3 members of family offering them the moral support .

My daughter’s observation during her stay is as under:

v Priya’s parents’ marriage was an intercaste love marriage,

v Consequently, both the families neither came forward during their lifetime, nor at the death of the father.

v Whomsoever came to see the body , just placed a garland and walked away without consoling the mother or children.

v The few remaining relatives were so busy gossiping without a thought to the lady , who had lost her husband suddenly.

v The mother was sitting all alone with not a single adult from either family to offer consolation or support.

v It was the friends of priya who stayed with the mother and children.

v There was no money and no relative seemed to be concerned.

v Priya’s classmates have been helping out physically, financially and emotionally.

v Being Christian the body was buried and two classmates who had lost their father went to the grave yard.

v The 10 year old was very scared and so she was taken away by Priya’s classmate to her house.

v The Children stayed back till 05.30 and only after Priya told them to leave, did they go home.

I feel that the friends of Priya have to be really

appreciated and applauded for their support strength offered by them to the family in need. The parents of these children should also be highly appreciated for offering the monetary help and allowing the children to do the needful and instilling the sense of responsibility in these children. But as my daughter rightly said, “all the boys and girls of my class were called mischievous, naughty, troublesome etc.. but they all rose to the occasion unitedly and each one did their bit . They were more responsible and understanding than the relatives. How could the adults be so callous and unthoughtful even in the time of grief. Just because theirs was a love marriage, the family members who shunned them 2 decades back , even now failed to be present.. What kind of behavior is this???? Could they not be there to offer support.. Our relatives are all excellent and thoughtful people amma. This is the first time I see adults behaving in such cruel and inconsiderate manner… Cheeee”.

Yes my dear, I fully agree. The learned , matured adults have a lot to learn from these youngsters, who are considered to be playful, irresponsible, and immature. Will we learn what is important, who is important and when to rise up to the occasion. So I think before we parents complain about the children , let us think twice and let us not hesitate to learn from them the better virtues.

THE LITTLE GIRL AT THE BEACH

Browsing through my diary, I came across a few thoughts of mine recorded over a period of time…. One such thought is posted below:

02^nd May 2003

My cousin’s family were visiting us and we all went for an outing. We were a party of 4 adults and 3 children. After visiting the snake park, children’s park, Gandhi Mandapam, etc.. we went to the Besant Nagar Beach – “Elliots Beach”. My cousins wife and I were left on the shore to take care of our belongings and the men and children moved towards the water. The shore was a hub of activity with people laughing and whiling away their time, people sad or with serious faces looking at the waves, children , young adults playing and frolicking happily in general. My cousin and I sat down and were watching the activity around us . A newly married couple, oblivious to the surrounding, were happily feeding each other. We met the regular ‘sundal’ boys/girls, an old lady promised to read my palm accurately and predict my future and other small business men. Our main job was fending off these ‘business people’.

Then came a little girl, she must have been around eight years or so , almost my daughter’s age. She wore a loose fitting frock. She had a small ‘Tambalam’[tray] in her hand with jasmine flowers. She kept asking me to buy the flowers . I tried to fend her off, like I did the others , but I failed as she was very insistent. She asked me to do ‘boni’(first purchase) for at least for Rs. 3. She was smart looking inspite of being dirty and a scrub would have made her look good. Her face reminded me of P.S. Keerthana of ‘Kannathil Muthamital’ movie. Finally, I told her I would take Rs. 10 worth of flowers but she must measure the flowers correctly. She said , in case I am not satisfied with the way she measures , I may do it myself. The measure is ‘Muzham’ ie from the tip of the middle finger to the elbow. She then gave me 4 ‘muzhams’ of flower and took the Rs.10/- after that she sat down next to me, carefully placed the money in the tiny purse she had and started measuring the remaining flowers. She did it twice.

At this juncture , let me tell a bit about self. I consider my self a socially conscious person, concerned over the social evil, moved when I read/hear/see child labour, infanticide, women and child harassment/abuse. I am not courageous to visit the children at the orphanage as they move me to tears and humble me. They make me realize the important, precious and comfortable life I lead.

Getting back to beach, I was amused to see her repeating the act of measuring the flowers again and again. I asked her if there was any problem and received no answer. I felt I should be more alert and the following thoughts crossed my mind :

a) What is she upto?

b) Was she unable to count after a certain number?

c) Was she trying to win my confidence and trick me?

d) Was she tired?

In the meanwhile , she finished measuring

The flowers and arranged them beautifully , checked her money and belongings, took her tambalam and said ‘varen akka’- bye.

She ran straight to the food stall , got some eatables and ate them. She then went to the man who was offering joy-rides in his horse, put the flowers down and went for a joy ride and enjoyed it thoroughly, laughing all the way. She came back from the ride and took up the job of selling flowers.

Her act made me ponder, how simple and easy things give her great pleasures and how easily she takes things. My daughter must be of her age only, though not a demanding child often feels bored. Does this girl have time to feel bored. I think and say I am a socially conscious person who is moved by so many things, but was it not presumptuous of me to doubt her integrity? Could it be my basic nature or the attitude of the monied class? With this attitude in my mind how could I claim I am concerned about these children.

NEED OF THE HOUR

This was furnished by me as a small piece of thought to ponder in my office magazine, unluckily it did not get selected. However, I felt that I should definitely publish it some where and so here I am.
In the preface to the book " The God Delusion" author, Richard Dawkins makes a narration. The narration is the fact that his wife did not like school but her parents were unaware of it till she was in her twenties. When her parents asked her why she did not come out and talk earlier, she gives out a factual and profound statement," I did not know I could" . On reading it , I felt that expression precisely presents the thoughts of young adults(adolscents) of today. Teenagers and youth of today are unable to face small trials/obstacles/failures they come across in their life because they lack confidence and courage. The reason for them to have this low level of confidence is due to the fact that parents have failed to encourage the children to confide in them and express their inner most thoughts. A number of children do not know or cannot confide in their parents for the simple reaon that parents have failed to clearly communicate the message to the child that "We are always there for you".
A lot of time , money, effort and love is spent by parents in educating and providing a comfortable life to the children by the parents. The whole purpose is defeated if the child is unable to develop the ability to think, act, express themselves as confident and mature adults. In their over anxiety to protect , provide and prepare their children for an excellent future, we as parents become overbearing, nagging, frightening aliens to them.
It is incorrect to say that all parents are the same, but majority of us go by how the society moves in masses- rather than contemplate whether the same is suited for their child and family. Present day scenario, especially the hype and competition the children face does not give room for 'all round ' development of the child. Emphasis of performance in academics is very high so much so that an academically not so brilliant child is considered an inferior being and develops a very low self-esteem. Terms and labels like 'average student', 'slow-learners' , 'also-rans' play havoc on the children and their immediate family. Let us be different . Let us inspire confidence and courage in our children such that they say "I KNOW I CAN", rather than "I DID NOT KNOW I COULD".

ROUTINE

Come Monday morning , people all over the world wake up with a dread or rather feeling of dullness at the very thought of waking up and starting the weekily work/study routine bringing to an end the relaxed(!!!) weekend . But to all those people out there I would like to say, if there is some thing which should not change then it is the routine. Inspite of our expectation for a leisure weekend we are irritated with the newspaper man/milkman/electricity office in case they do not function during our days off.. How can they be so lethargic and without care . Why then are these called Essential services etc.... We often forget that those people are also human being very much like us having a lot of limitations and constraints... I am one person who would love to have a routine life.. I would love to go to work all five days a week. Stay at office during the full office working time, spend a weekend during mundane chores and get back to office on monday morning.. It might sound silly , but that is something which I find difficult to achieve.. For me Routine is visits to hospitals, doctors, sickness, visitors, etc.. Routine is reading voluminous fiction books in the waiting rooms of hospitals,clinics and labs... Probably I am overreacting or indulging in selfpity ... but somehow a routine life without a break due to a hospital visit seems mighty attractive than a 3 day vacation to a hill station.