Uma Sharma, Gurugram
Tinky was always busy!
She had her painting class, tennis class and crafts class in the evening. But Tinky just wanted to play with her friends in the park.
However, Tinky’s Mom, Vandana, was worried. As Tinky was performing below average in every class. Her instructors gave her feedback that Tinky does not pay attention in the class.
One evening Vandana asked Tinky, ‘Are you enjoying the classes?’
‘Mom, I don’t find these classes interesting. Can I play in the park? Tinky asked, eagerly.
‘We can try some different hobbies such as theatre classes. Would you like to act on stage? Vandana asked, affectionately
‘Yes, yes, yes…! I want to act on stage,’ she replied ecstatically.
After two days, Tinky was enrolled in a Theatre class. Every day she went eagerly for the class. She wanted to act like the actors whom she had watched on TV. A fortnight passed, and Tinky did not seem as excited as before. It was boring to follow the same instructions again and again. She wanted to go to the park and play.
After a fortnight, Vandana received the same feedback she had received earlier, that Tinky was not paying attention and was performing below average. This worried Vandana. She then decided to enrol Tinky in various classes to experience, explore and learn different things. However, she always received the same feedback that Tinky needs to pay attention. She became concerned and decided to talk to her friend Manju.
At night after Tinky went to bed, Vandana called Manju.
‘Manju, I am concerned about Tinky. She does not participate and pay attention in her hobby classes,’ said Vandana.
‘Vandana, I hope it is not a serious issue with Tinky, maybe like attention deficiency,’ replied concerned Manju.
‘What should I do?’ she asked worried.
‘I’ll ask my friend Devaki to talk to you. She is a child counsellor. I’ll give you, her number.’ Manju replied.
The next day, Vandana made an appointment with Devaki. She took Tinky as well to meet her. Devaki asked Vandana to leave Tinky with her.
Devaki asked Tinky, ‘You don’t like acting?
‘I liked it first, but then it was the same as other classes.’
‘What all classes do you attend?’
‘I attend painting, craft and tennis, but I don’t like them’, replied Tinky.
‘What do you want to do?’
‘I want to play in the park with my friends,’ replied Tinky, excitedly.
Devaki sent Tinky to the play area and asked Vandana to come inside. ‘Tinky is not attention deficit.’
‘Then why does she not pay attention in hobby classes?’ asked Vandana.
‘Because she is not interested in doing hobby classes. She wants to play in the park.’
‘But she will miss out on so many things.’
‘She won’t. She has all the time to learn and explore. Give her that time. Let her get ready to explore new things in life at her own pace,’ counselled Devaki.
Vandana nodded and left. On the way, she asked Tinky, ‘What do you say we put all hobby classes on hold, and you just play in the park in the evenings.’
‘O Mumma, that would be so much fun!’ Tinky replied happily.
(Uma Sharma is an accomplished writer with over two decades of professional experience, including eleven years dedicated to writing. She is the author of four books and is widely recognized for her work on gender equality, inclusion and women’s empowerment. Her insightful articles on social issues, women’s rights and contemporary literary trends have been published in various reputed magazines and publications.)
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
