By Ravi Singh Negi
All major Educational Boards have declared their classes X and XII results. A few have secured very high marks as much as 99%, and a few have made lower grades. Certainly, receiving lower grades is a bit disappointing but those who have secured 99% are depressed because they did not achieve 100% and could not meet the expectations of their parents. Parents place very high expectations on their children. They want to fulfil their dreams through their children. They view their children as a means to fulfilling their own unfulfilled aspirations, placing undue pressure on them to achieve high grades. Indian parents react to low grades with a range of emotions, often stemming from societal expectations and a strong emphasis on academic success. they can be critical or even punitive, leading to feelings of shame or discouragement in their children, which in some cases leads to stress, anxiety, depression and sometimes to suicidal tendencies. Ultimately, it ruins the career of the child.
While it is important to do well in Board exams, it is by no means the end of the world. One exam cannot decide who you are and what you can be. If you have the aptitude to pick up skills, you can find yourself a rewarding career in lucrative fields. You can choose to become an entrepreneur or join your family business. Once you have a proven record of good working skills for a significant period of time, your board exam results will be a thing of the past. It should always be kept in mind that all students who excel in class or top the class are not always successful but every student either with low grades or high grades has different options for their future as per their interest, aptitude, calibre and skills in which they can excel and achieve great success in their lives. While it is important to do well in your Boards, it is by no means the end of the world. With the right initiative, attitude, and effort, you can find the path to your dream career. You can find satisfaction in other fields as well. At the end, it all narrows down to who you are as a person, and what you choose to be. As you progress, your career will shape the way you want it to.
Parents should always keep in mind that they are providing education to their child, not for their pleasure and happiness but it is basically for the happiness and better future for their child. Each child is unique with different interests, talents, and aspirations. When a child gets low grades, parents must explore their interests, discover their passions, and develop their own unique talents and skills. When faced with poor board results, parents should prioritise a calm and supportive approach. Avoid harsh reactions or comparisons and, instead, focus on understanding the child’s feelings and the reasons for the results. Encourage open communication, celebrate their strengths, and work together to develop strategies for future learning. Take the help of experts like academic or career counsellors.
One caution for the toppers – in today’s scenario, success does not always come with best academic performance but, side by side, you should also go for soft skill learning.
(Ravi Singh Negi is an Advocate, Social Worker and Marriage/Academic Counsellor.)
