‘I would want my son to be disciplined and respect his elders ’

When you are a working parent, there are so many concerns that plague you – is the school near to where you live? What is the rating of the school? What is the brand value? What do parents have to say about the school? These are some of the questions that all parents want answers to. And what is the best possible way to get an honest opinion – do an Internet search. With social media playing such a huge impact on our lives today, it is possible to find answers to the most inane questions.

When Priyanka Priyandarshini was looking for a school for her son, Advik, who has recently gone to class I at Apeejay School Saket, she did what anybody would do – do thorough research online. She and her husband, Viswas, who works in the IT sector, did a lot of reading and searching and came up with a list of five schools.

“When I typed ‘top schools in Saket area’, Apeejay’s name popped up. But I applied to all the schools in the area. My son was shortlisted for two of those schools. But I got a call from Apeejay first. So, I decided to go to this school. The fact that it was near to where we live was a bonus,” Priyanka said, who is a central government employee.

Excerpts from an interview.

How easy and smooth was the admission process?

I don’t remember the exact process because this happened two years back when I was looking for a school for Advik for admission into KG. But I do remember that it was easy and smooth. We filled out the form online and submitted the required documents like birth certificates to name a few. We then got a call and went to school, Advik had a one-on-one interview, and we were interviewed as well. In all, it was not complicated at all.

What have been the changes that you have noticed in this last year?

I would not say that there have been drastic or dramatic changes in him. But one noticeable thing is that he has become confident while interacting with people. He has become more open and willingly interacts. I would not say that he is extremely intelligent but he copes well with whatever is being taught in the class.

Which mode of education was more beneficial to Advik – online or offline?

I would say that he did much better when the classes were conducted online. Back then, I was working in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh and the teachers there ensured that each student was picked up to answer the questions. But it could be because they were focused on academics. Here in Delhi, this is not always the case. It doesn’t mean that Advik is never asked to stand up to answer a question at Apeejay, but it is far between. Probably that is why his grades have fallen a bit. But I am hoping things will improve.

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My son has become more confident and more open and willingly interacts. I would not say that he is extremely intelligent but he copes well with whatever is being taught in the class

–Priyanka Priyandarshini, Mother of Student at Apeejay School, Saket

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Do you think that a child must be introduced to a balance of academic and extracurricular activities?

It is important. A child’s personality develops when he/she is introduced to different aspects of education at a young age. Any activity be it dancing, sport, or drawing competition opens doors for the children to explore their interests and talent. Gone are the days when parents wanted their child to be a doctor, engineer, or get a government job for security. There are so many other lucrative career options and extracurricular activities open those doors.

How is the parent-teacher interaction?

It was routinely held and we always got positive feedback from the teachers for my son. The teachers also listened patiently when we raised our concerns and tried to address them to the best possible outcomes. There were times when a query was sent at night, but we got a reply promptly.

You are a working mother. How do you take time out for your son?

I always take time out for him; he is my priority. The good thing is that my husband works from home. It is not as if he is all alone at home when he comes back from school. I also come back from the office by 6:30 pm. Weekends are spent with my son. Both my husband and I ensure that we spend our free time with him.  

What is the important lesson you would want your son to learn?

I would say to be disciplined and respect his elders. One can gain knowledge and be educated from anywhere in the world. But to follow the norms that have been set in society – respect and discipline are the most important lessons that each child must incorporate in his/her life.