C S Ojha
A recent news story from Mumbai drew attention to an unsettling reality – children from private schools, despite access to better resources, were found to be in poorer health than those from government schools. On nearly every parameter – obesity, eyesight, strength, and overall fitness – private school students lagged behind. This paradox is alarming and deserves urgent introspection from parents, educators, and policymakers.
The comfort trap
Children from affluent families enjoy greater access to nutrition, healthcare, and educational resources. Yet, ironically, they are the ones increasingly facing health concerns. The reason lies not in a lack of resources, but in how these resources are used or misused. Overindulgence, sedentary lifestyles, screen addictions, and a growing detachment from traditional habits and discipline are key contributors.
Working parents, especially those in demanding careers, often compensate for their lack of time by giving in to their children’s demands. Many households with a single child end up offering unlimited indulgence – whether it’s in the form of food, screen time, or material possessions. This results in physical as well as emotional fragility.
Nutritional neglect
Proper nutrition is foundational to physical and mental well-being. However, an increasing number of children reject vegetables, pulses, and home-cooked meals. Parents often give in to their whims, resorting to packaged or restaurant food, which is high in fats, sugars, and preservatives.
Innovative parenting can turn this around. One mother famously used creativity to sneak vegetables into parathas to ensure her sons got proper nutrition. Another TV ad showed a smart mother putting brinjals in pizza. Such examples show how intelligent parenting can blend nutrition with taste without compromising on health.
Healthy habits start at home
Building good eating habits – washing hands before meals, chewing food properly, avoiding distractions during meals – is essential. Expressing gratitude for food and the effort behind it can nurture respect and empathy in children. Eating with focus, without screens, fosters mindful eating and better digestion.
The lifestyle puzzle
Nutrition must be coupled with physical activity. Today’s children face temptations of screen entertainment and indoor comfort. It’s the responsibility of parents to insist on physical play, limit screen time, and promote outdoor activities. This also means leading by example – walking together, playing games, and encouraging hobbies as a family.
The mental health crisis
Mental health is the silent epidemic among children, especially in urban nuclear families. Children face loneliness, peer pressure, unrealistic expectations, and sometimes even neglect – emotional or physical. Unlike earlier generations who had extended family networks, today’s children often have no emotional support system beyond their parents, who themselves are overburdened and distracted.
The good news is that boards like CBSE and ICSE have made it mandatory for schools to appoint counselling psychologists. However, much depends on early detection and, crucially, the willingness of parents to acknowledge the problem. Denial and ignorance delay intervention and worsen outcomes.
A blueprint for better parenting
Parents must adopt a holistic, conscious approach to parenting. Some actionable steps include:
Create a parenting plan: One that includes goals for physical and mental health.
Lead by example: Practice what you preach – in nutrition, activity, and emotional regulation.
Engage with children: Participate in activities, listen without judgment, and be a friend.
Limit work-stress spill-over: Create a nurturing home environment free of work-related tension.
Spend quality time: No gadget or gift can replace your presence and attention.
Respect individuality: Every child is unique. Avoid comparisons and support their interests.
Support, don’t overprotect: Teach resilience, let them face challenges, and encourage effort over outcomes.
Watch for warning signs: Be alert to behavioural changes and don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Final thoughts
Parenting is not just about providing but about involvement, awareness, and balance. Overindulgence, convenience-driven choices, and emotional neglect – even if unintentional – can have long-term consequences. But with a little mindfulness, empathy, and commitment, we can raise children who are healthy in both body and mind, equipped to face the complex world of tomorrow. Let’s not wait for more shocking studies. Let this be our call to action.