‘This school never lets the child get stressed’

A positive parenting style focuses on understanding and responding to a child’s needs, fostering open communication, and instilling values that promote empathy, resilience, and independence, asserts Dr Pooja Agarwal whose son Dhairya Agarwal studies in Class IX at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg.

Excerpts from the interview  

Is there any pressure building up for the upcoming Boards?

There is no stress to be honest because the teachers are so good that they have completed the syllabus well on time. Even all the revisions have already started, so I don’t think my son will face any problems relating to academics next year too.

How did you select Apeejay as an admission choice?

When I was looking for a good school for my son, I already had a good impression of the school since my nephew is also from there. So automatically I realised that Apeejay should be the choice for my son. Apart from that I recall the time when I had gone for the interview, I saw the teachers there were so helpful, encouraging, and very kind towards me and my son. After all this, I don’t think I had any other choice since I was impressed.

My daughter also studied at this school but only in senior classes — XI and XII. She used to study in another school but my wife was not happy with the education there, so we changed her school to Apeejay.

How are the teachers here?

They are all extremely professional and interact with the parents so nicely. With kids, they are exceptionally kind and are always motivating them to achieve their best. Their main motive is to make children self-confident and if there is any problem, the teachers are always there to solve all issues smoothly, which is a great thing. I also remember the time when my son was in the nursery and was suffering from stage fright, but ultimately due to the teachers’ efforts, he could perform brilliantly on the stage gradually. Even during the PTMs the teachers always communicate things about your child politely and suggest areas that need improvement.

What about the balance between studies and extracurricular activities?

My son’s favourite subjects are Science and Math, he enjoys them to the core. He is also a tennis player and has represented the school in all inter-level school matches. Apart from this, he enjoys activities like poem recitations, science model-making competitions, and ATLs which keep him busy.

How much do you identify with the adage – that school is the second home for a child?

I agree with this adage. I think in today’s time where both parents are working, they aren’t able to devote too much of their time to their kids. It is then that the school staff and teachers come into the picture and have a huge role to play in majorly influencing a child’s overall development. At Apeejay especially, I have seen that the teachers inculcate very good values in the children.

Describe your parenting mantra.

My priority is to make my son independent first of all. I don’t believe in spoon-feeding my child, something that I followed from day one. And the same approach I follow regarding his studies too. All I tell my son is to focus on hard work and time management which will ensure good results in the end. Most importantly I have taught my children to never lie.