New Delhi, Alaknanda, Oct. 6, 2018: “Teach a child the way he should go and he will not stray from it even when he is old” (Proverbs 22: 6)
A special seminar on positive parenting for the Christian parents of Don Bosco School, Alaknanda was held on 6th October, 2018 in the School Auditorium. The aim of the Seminar was to encourage the parents to create positive family environments for their children and to understand steps needed to foster a God-centred, diligent, hardworking, value based genre of future citizens.
The Seminar was chaired by a five member panel consisting of the Rector and Principal, Don Bosco School Rev. Fr. Babu Varghese, Rev. Fr. K.A. Joseph , SDB – a spiritual guru, confessor, and a counselor par excellence, Dr. Pearl Drego – a renowned secular nun, psychotherapist and counselor, Mr. Immanuel Joseph – a counselor and popular animator for Christian youth and families, and Mr. Saiby Mathew – Discipline–in-charge- at Don Bosco School and a much loved teacher, father figure and counselor for the boys of the school.
The speakers for the day and the parents were warmly welcomed by Ms. Susan Joseph. Thereafter, the Rector and Principal, Rev. Fr. Babu Varghese felicitated the guest speakers with a bouquet of flowers. A team of young vocalists and instrumentalists from Don Bosco School led the Bosconian community in prayer through the melodious rendition of popular Christian hymns. A reading from the Holy Bible, taken from 1 Peter 5: 2-3, added fervor and sanctity of purpose to the proceedings.
In his keynote address the Rector and Principal Rev. Fr. Babu Varghese exhorted the parents to be role models for their children as Don Bosco was for his students, accompanying the young on their daily journey by spending quality time with them, and correcting them with love. He urged the parents to refrain from catering to unnecessary demands of their offspring, thus embodying them with the required strength of character and hard work to achieve success in their lives.
The chief resource person for the Seminar, Mr. Immanuel Joseph, urged the parents to ensure happy family environments for their children through personal and family prayers. Beginning the day with prayer, and attending Mass daily rooted the children in the teachings of Christ, and strengthened them during times of troubles and sorrow. In these fast changing technology driven times with its attendant problems and stress ruling the roost, peaceful co-existence with others can only be achieved by being prayerful families and individuals centered on Christ.
After a ten minute tea break, the panel discussion was initiated. Rev. Fr. K.A. Joseph underlined the importance of support and guidance of the elders in the family for nurturing the individuality of children, in shaping their character , and thus in their overall growth.
Dr. Pearl Drego encouraged all present to look at the root cause of any problems being faced by children, be it in studies, or behavior at home or in school or at work , and arrive at the necessary solutions to fix these problems.
Through his talk, Mr.Saiby Mathew invited parents to foster a conducive family environment at home to help in the overall growth of the children. He encouraged the parents to make use of the facilities in counseling being offered by the school for the betterment of their children.
In the interactive question answer session that followed, parents clarified their doubts regarding the behavior of children in the wake of the complex realities of the modern day world. The parents were of the opinion that a value based Christian response to problems faced by their children would impact their safety and nurture individuals towards negative actions. The panelists again urged the parents to become prayerful families and concomitantly build up knowledge and skills in the children that are necessary for their safety and well-being.
At the end of the session, Rev. Fr .Babu Varghese once again urged the parents to build up a close and proactive rapport with the counselors and educators in the school and at the same time to participate in collaborative parenting in a bid to tackle the challenges being faced by the children of today. He appreciated the speakers and on behalf of the school, as a sign of gratitude and respect, presented them with mementoes. He thanked the Salesian Cooperators for their initiative in organizing the Seminar.
The seminar concluded with the vote of thanks and a firm resolve by the parents and educators present to practice the following maxim of Don Bosco “ Entrust everything to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to Mary Help of Christians and you will see what miracles are”
Vimal Maria Titus
(Salesian Co-operator)