Children are most dear to me. Working with them on a daily basis keeps me active and alert. Dealing with their moods and tantrums, humor and mischief is a daily affair. My intention is to see all of them always happy and self-reliant.
I also work with another set of children and that is the 60 + group. This group gives me immense pleasure and teach me to be more patient. I have realized that there is so much learning that I do from both these groups.
Laila was good at sport and a very good orator who had many friends but had difficulties with her written work. As years went by, her academic performance deteriorated and she was diagnosed having learning disabilities. Slowly stigmatized and discriminated, she became aloof. This further affected her performance academically as well as socially. Fortunately, Laila was ready for treatment. With therapy she built her self-confidence.
Our judgment always stem from a lack of understanding rather than facts. Let us not be judgmental. Let us accept and be supportive. We can make the difference.
How can we do that? Not by showing sympathy but by empathising and accepting all in the society with a genuine smile.
Do we accept all in our society?
We heard about Dyslexia; similarly people struggle with ADHD, Autism, Depression, OCD, Schizophrenia, and Dementia etc. but are they really accepted in our society? Negative attitude towards mental health is common. Stigma leads to discrimination and affects the confidence.
Our seniors, our parents, the most learned members of our society, seem to be the most ignored lot. They seem to be helpless, they are the most neglected lot by their own families. All they need is to talk to them. They need human contact, company. A request, be there for them, cherish them and take care of them.
Let us all try to be supportive and encouraging. Let us all try to believe in our strengths, spread joy and happiness as happiness comes from within. Let us celebrate together!
-Kashmira Kakalia
Also Read our post on “If You Can’t Find A Good Person, Be One!”