Parents need to ensure that their children are ready for life, said panellists at a discussion on ‘Building the right values in kids’ here on Thursday. “We need to go back to the joint family system. Grandparents play a crucial role in inculcating values into children,” said Indu Shahani, dean of HR College. “Values cannot be taught, they need to be imbibed.” Actor Sonali Bendre, who has authored a book on parenting, said “Children need to be instilled with a sense of compassion. And that responsibility lies with the parents, not with teachers.”
The panel went on to discuss the sense of entitlement that children feel. “This is especially true with regards to smartphones,” said Dr Anupam Sibal, group medical director at Apollo Hospitals.
“The sense of entitlement comes from parents,” said Ms Bendre.The panel discussion was part of an initiative of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), called ‘Ready For Life’. Calling the initiative a conversation starter, Priya Nair, executive director, Home Care, HUL, said the initiative wasn’t conceived of as a brand platform or asset. “It’s high time that brands moved beyond just communication and be part of their consumers’ lives.” The initiative has partnered with the SMILE foundation and will be activated in all six major metros later this month.
The writer is an intern with The Hindu
