I am no expert on education and career guidance but by that logic I also don’t have a degree in motherhood. The school admission process in India is just so competitive that I think we all plan families more by school admissions and less by choice. When mothers are pregnant they are less scared about their deliveries but more stressed about the school admissions. What is it that has changed from when we went to school to today? Why are we in such a hurry to teach our children everything today? These are questions I seek answers to, too. So I am one amongst all of you. The reason for this post or should I say series because its not a topic I am going to or I can cover in one post, is try to bring some amount of method to this madness called school admissions or choosing the right school. Is it the board of education, is it the distance, the reputation of the school, the curriculum, the ‘crowd’ or timings, what is it really that parents must look out for.
I don’t remember any conversation after my daughters birth not being on schools & education processes in India. The question, ‘so which schools are you looking at?’ and I feel like answering I don’t know and while I care there is nothing much I can do about it. Even if I like a school what are the chances that the school likes me too. I do flaunt a brave appearance only thinking, will I ever make it to my dream school.
Before we move onto the details I would like to ensure that I have the fathers lending their ears to me too. In today’s times its not a one parent job. You are building a base for that business school that you always want to get your child into. Schools are not merely educational institutions but is the foundation of values,principles and friends that will stay with your child forever. The other reason I ask fathers to be involved is because women by nature are paranoid and add to chaos. they like taking stress. This statement is inclusive of me, :). Additionally the mother is so involved in the process that its important for some one to take a step back and think and think rationally. I feel any one parent who is not so involved can do this effectively.
We are trying to get parents from across different parts of Mumbai & other other cities to contribute to this topic.
If you thought its just about a neighbourhood school & college will follow thereafter you might want to think again. First advice don’t get bogged down. Its okay not to know a lot of things as that is what will get you to read up and research. So what are going to be your research options?
- Friends
- Other moms from the school of your choice
- Members of the education & extra curricular fraternity.
- You
I truly believe that you need to stand by what you believe is right and not follow that herd mentality.
Coming up in part dos(II) of this series, choosing a preschool. If you have any ideas, suggestions, feedback on our school series please share it with us in the comments below or email us at [email protected]
KSP Team
Kanishka Pariani
Parul Gupta
