A different Diwali

Diwali is round the corner and the surroundings are abuzz with all the preparations, shopping and cleaning that is customary before this festival of light, colour and joy. All of us look forward to buying new clothes, crackers, and sweets and have well-laid out plans for the holidays and such-like. 

However, can we as responsible and sensitive citizens keep a check on our indulgence and bring in a little change that will make living worthwhile for our fellow beings too?

We do not have to do anything on a large scale. It can be as small a thing as distributing old clothes that are still in good conditions to our helpers around the house or buying some crackers for their children or giving a little bonus to them during the festive season.

It could be a small gesture of volunteering for unprivileged children like having a reading session, to bring a smile to the innocent faces.

It could be a decision to not burst crackers that pollute the environment. The trees, little children and the old will thank you for the decision.

It could be a decision to reduce, recycle or re-use everything possible to help save resources and lessen the burden on the planet.

It could be a decision to raise your voice-in whatever way possible-against injustice, corruption and dishonesty.

Diwali is essentially a celebration of ‘good over evil’. At a time when there is so much of despair, helplessness and chaos in the country, let us all take a vow to do as much as possible in every single way to make sure that finally the good triumphs and righteousness emerges as the winner.

Lawrence High School, located at HSR layout, Bangalore, focuses on educating children with traditional values to adapt and excel in the world. To know more about Lawrence school, please visit the website http://lawrenceschool.in/ and join us at our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lawrence-School/ 

Benefits of owing a pet for your child-Lawrence School

Several studies have proven why having a pet is beneficial for your child. While it is a lot of work involved in terms of taking care and providing for the pet, the pay-offs are also handsome.  Here are the top reasons why you should be considering owning a pet at home:

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Sense of responsibility kicks in early: with pets around, children learn early on to be a provider, a care-giver. Young kids can help with small tasks like giving food and water or combing their hair, in case of a dog, etc.  Slowly, they can be encouraged to become the sole care-giver. A selfless and responsible attitude can thus be developed early on.

A companion: pets can prove to be great companions for your kid, especially if your child is an only kid. Dogs are great listeners and communicators. Talking to a pet can alleviate sense of loneliness and ward off depression. 

Less-prone to allergies: children who grow up with pets around are less prone to allergies and asthma as compared to children who don’t.

Great learning experience: as your child begins to take active participation and interest in the pet, it will be a great opportunity to let the child learn more about the pet, research about the subject and gather as much knowledge as possible. 

Emotionally-stable: having a pet will help in developing emotional stability in your child. The relationship between the pet and the child will be of trust and love. They’ll learn to be gentler with others and since they’d be used to the emotion of nurturing, it will also help keep sudden outbursts in check.

Although the advantages are many, this is a decision that needs to be taken by the parents after careful consideration of all factors. Keeping a pet is a huge responsibility and if not done correctly, the consequences can misfire.

Lawrence High School, located at HSR layout, Bangalore, focuses on educating children with traditional values to adapt and excel in the world. To know more about Lawrence school, please visit the website http://lawrenceschool.in/ and join us at our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lawrence-School/ 

Are children today overburdened with activities? Lawrence School

“What is this life, if full of care, we have to time to stand and stare..”  These famous lines of W.H. Davies holds true for most adults in today’s time where everything is paced at a break-neck speed and the number of activities outdo the time we have on our hands. However, the unfortunate part is that this is also fast becoming a reality for many children.

With competition closing in from all quarters, children these days are not only expected to excel in studies but also bring in trophies and accolades in myriad other spheres of life ranging from drawing, sports to public speaking and management skills.

It is common practice amongst parents to compare the busyness quotient of their children’s lives and use it as a sort of scoring point at social gatherings. It is degrading to admit that the child doesn’t attend any “classes” of sorts and spends time at home instead. How unfortunate then for these kids who perhaps will never realize the importance and joy of playing silly, or doing nothing!

Children need as much unstructured time as structured to enhance their thinking and growing. A lot of activities that seem like a waste of time are actually instrumental in unleashing their creativity and undiscovered talent. We as adults love the tag of “being busy” and try to fill in all our waking hours with “doing something”. As a natural progression, this attitude gets shifted to our parenting style and towards our children.

Rushing from one class to another hardly leaves any time for kids to think constructively. While it is true that extra-curricular activities are needed to give a well-rounded personality, an over-dose of such “classes” might actually rob the child of any genuine interest. There is a fine balance that needs to be maintained between nudging and pushing. Nudging a child into pursuing hobby classes is needed but pushing a child into cramming every possible extra skill in their free-time is a huge no-no.

Lawrence High School, located at HSR layout, Bangalore, focuses on educating children with traditional values to adapt and excel in the world. To know more about Lawrence school, please visit the website http://lawrenceschool.in/ and join us at our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lawrence-School/