Taare Zameen Par!

Today we went to watch a movie Taare Zameen Par by Aamir khan. It is a splendid movie and it moved me a lot. I cried a lot during the movie. It touches a very sensitive issue of dealing with a child. Parents having small children must watch the movie. My friends also tell me how they were affected by the movie. It is the story of a child who is suffering from dyslexia and whose parents are not able to identify his problem.

The way they treated him for his naughty behaviour and disinterest in studies made me cry. Not because I felt they were doing something wrong, but I treat my child similarly very frequently. I am always forcing him to finish his milk, finish his breakfast, eat food and all other things. I think I am struggling with the boy and that my life is going to remain like this always. But what I don’t do is give him space to breathe. I am always trying to fit him into a routine and always wanting to discipline him. I also feel sometimes that I am sacrificing my life and career for him. Which is so mean on my part, to think of it. No one asked me to do it in the first place. It was my choice and I happily chose it for my child. I wanted to enjoy his childhood and my motherhood. I do enjoy these moments but sometimes I fall into a conflict with myself. Some tough moments come when I begin doubting myself.

In the movie, the boys teacher points out that every parent these days wants a high performer. He comments that such parents should breed horses and not have children. Parents are always trying to impose their own ambitions and dreams on their children. With the increasing competitiveness it becomes so difficult for a child to keep pace. They are not allowed to think freely and express freely. We even try to control what the child should say and what he shouldn’t. We feel very proud when our child learns all that we teach him. Like a parrot he repeats all the niceties.

The movie gives a very good message of how children are just like stars on earth or like delicate flowers. Also what caring is. I know people who feel that they care for children when they bring home expensive toys and gifts and lots of books for their children. But what is required is our valuable time for our children.

The movie has reminded me of all the things I do to my so precious child. I knew all these things
but never inculcated them in my behaviour. I hope from now on I can make my child feel very special by letting him be just himself.