Poor Parenting: When Presence Matters More Than Presents
Poor Parenting
When Presence Matters More Than Presents
Your children need your presence, not presents.
Your actual presence is the greatest gift you can ever give your child.
Once we were busy in studies,
Then in searching for a job,
Then in settling in that job,
Then in planning a family,
Then in fulfilling duties and responsibilities…
Life ends, but responsibilities don’t.
And somewhere in this endless race, childhood silently waits.
Real Incidents
1. Chennai: A Four-Year-Old Girl Who Thought Medicine Was Candy
A four-year-old girl in Chennai died after swallowing her mother’s prescription tablets, mistaking them for candy.
No parent ever imagines such a tragedy.
This one incident reminds us how essential basic safety awareness is at home.
2. Dombivli, Mumbai: A NEET Aspirant Lost a Year Over One Simple Miss
A bright NEET aspirant missed her exam because her parents didn’t visit the centre a day earlier.
The school had two branches.
They reached the wrong one, and by the time they realised, it was too late.
A full year of hard work… gone.
Parenting doesn’t demand extraordinary effort — just carefulness and responsibility.
3. The Jetli Incident: Forgotten Board Exam
Years ago, a student named Jetli didn’t show up for his Chemistry board exam.
Parents were out of station due to an emergency.
I called their landline because all other students had reported.
He picked up the call:
“Sir, what happened?”
“Your Chemistry exam!”
“Oh… Sir! I’m coming.”
He reached just before the reading time began.
Emergencies may happen, but even then, a backup plan and preparation matter.
Why Presence Matters Beyond Safety
Beyond supervision, a parent’s presence shapes a child’s inner world.
Children who receive consistent emotional presence grow with:
Emotional security
Healthy self-esteem
Better anxiety management
Stronger decision-making
Confidence in seeking help when needed
But when presence becomes irregular, children learn to adjust silently.
A little genuine attention each day builds a childhood that feels safe, valued and remembered.
Reflections
This is not about blaming parents.
It is about understanding that children need:
Attention
Emotional warmth
Guidance
Mindful involvement
Not perfection — just presence.
Takeaways
Be physically and emotionally present.
Visit exam centres a day before.
Keep medicines and hazardous items out of reach.
Teach children responsibility and self-awareness.
Create backup plans for emergencies.
Parenting is a journey of learning, not performance.
Just one question before you leave…
What is one small way you plan to ensure “presence” in your child’s life this week?
Your reflection may guide another parent.
Disclaimer
This write-up does not intend to blame any parent.
It presents real experiences to inspire mindful, responsible parenting.
– Rakesh Kushwaha
Educator • Writer • Storyteller
Mathivation HUB
In today’s techno-savvy world, where the race for money, fame and constant digital validation never ends, better parenting has become the need of the hour. Children are growing up surrounded by screens, speed and superficial success, but what they truly need is presence, patience, guidance and emotional security.
ReplyDeleteAs adults chase achievements, many young hearts silently crave time, affection and genuine connection. Parenting today is not about providing comforts or fulfilling duties “for the sake of it,” but about shaping children into truly human beings—empathetic, grounded, responsible and emotionally intelligent.
The future will not belong to those who only run fast but to those who remain kind, compassionate and humane. Therefore, in this rapidly changing world, only conscious, value-based parenting can help our children grow into individuals who shine not just with success, but with humanity.
Dear Sangram Sir,
DeleteYour words beautifully capture the core of today’s parenting challenges.
In a world drowning in screens, speed and success-race, children silently wait for what truly matters—presence, patience and emotional grounding.
Parenting has indeed shifted from providing facilities to building humanity.
If we can help our children grow with empathy, awareness and inner strength, then we’ve already given them the richest inheritance.
Thank you for adding such depth and wisdom to the discussion.
Your reflection enhances the purpose of this blog.
Gratitude and regards. 🙏
These are notable examples to all parents to manage their time with their children .
ReplyDeleteDear Reader,
DeleteThank you for sharing your thoughts.
Indeed, these real incidents remind us that time, attention and mindful involvement are the pillars of responsible parenting.
If this message reaches even one parent’s heart, the purpose of the blog is fulfilled.
Warm regards. 🙏
I agree with the thoughts and perspectives highlighted in this blog. While reading it, Shahrukh Khan came to my mind because he once shared an emotional memory at an event. His father used to tell him that they would visit Kashmir together someday. Years later, when Shahrukh became successful, he received many opportunities to visit Kashmir, yet he chose not to. He said he had promised his father that they would go together and now that his father is no more, the visit holds no meaning for him.
ReplyDeleteThis beautifully reflects how deeply the presence of our elders and parents shapes our lives. Our joy, happiness and sense of fulfilment are closely tied to the people with whom we share our lives.
Dear Miss Hasti,
DeleteThank you for sharing this deeply touching example.
Shahrukh Khan’s memory is a powerful reminder of how the presence of our parents and elders shapes the emotional map of our lives. Some places, dreams and moments hold meaning only because of who we hoped to share them with.
Your example beautifully strengthens the message of this blog —
that real fulfilment comes not from achievements or destinations,
but from the people who walk with us, guide us and love us unconditionally.
Grateful for your heartfelt reflection.
Warm regards. 🙏✨