‘I always dreamt that my children study at this school’

Gone are the days when parents sent their kids to a school where everybody sent their children. Today, parents do a lot of research on their own even though they take recommendations from family and friends. But before all this, parents also make a checklist and then compare what they want with what each school has to offer.

For Shipra Khanna, a homemaker, and her self-employed husband, choosing Apeejay School, Faridabad in Sector 15 it was a dream come true when her elder daughter Vriti Khanna, who is in class IX got admission to this school.

“I had heard such good things about this school that I had made up my mind that whenever I have a child I would send them to Apeejay. So, when Vriti got admission I was over the moon. When it came to my younger daughter’s (Rabhya Khanna in class III) admission, it was organic that she too study at this school,” Shipra said.

Excerpts from an interview.

Why did you choose Apeejay for your daughters?

As I mentioned, I dreamed that my children would study at this school. For as long as I can remember people have only said great things about Apeejay. I had heard that the teachers are very good and so is the teaching methodology. This is especially true for the teachers in the primary section.

How is your elder daughter coping in school after two years of online classes?

She is coping very well. But I am the one who feels that there is a lot more teachers can do when it comes to teaching. Also, I feel if a teacher leaves in the middle of the session, it disrupts the teaching methodology. My daughter, of course, has no such issues. As far as the younger daughter is concerned, I am very happy with the teachers in the primary section and the way they are teaching.

Do you get regular updates on your daughters’ progress?

Definitely. I am very satisfied with the progress report that I get from the teachers about my daughters. The teachers are very regular with the feedback; they are also very prompt with their answers whenever I have a query.

What are some of the moral values you want your daughters to imbibe lifelong?

I want both of them to be good human beings. I want to be caring and responsible for their actions. These are some of the values that have become important. They should also be law-abiding citizens of the country. They will grow up and start their professional journey, these values will help them further their professional path.

I am very satisfied with the progress report that I get from the teachers about my daughters. The teachers are very regular with the feedback; they are also very prompt with their answers whenever I have a query

–Shipra Khanna, Mother of two daughters who study at Apeejay School, Faridabad

Why are academics not the only criteria for parents today?

Taking part in extracurricular activities expands a child’s vision; they are exposed to many different things in life – be it music, dance and or drama. This gives confidence to the child to face the world. An all-round personality not only helps the child in his/her academics but also helps the kid understand and have a greater appreciation of things in life. It makes you tolerant of others’ cultures and traditions as well.

What role should parents play in their child’s life?

While one must act as a parent in the formative years but as the kids grow up, the role of the parent must also change. I think that a parent then should become a friend. This will ensure that the child will come and share whatever he/she is going through or whatever else is happening in their life aside from academics and school life. Gone are the days when you can remain ignorant of what is happening in your child’s life and who the friends are.

Do you think that parents must put pressure on the child to do well in school?

Not at all. Each child has his/her destiny and capabilities. No two children should be compared. Each child does the best that he/she can be depending on their ability. As parents, we must always be there to encourage and support the child. If you put too much pressure, the child will slowly alienate the parents and no parent can afford to do this.