Parenting Workshop
Report on the inauguration of the children's home annexe and the parenting workshop conducted on 16th September 2000
Ashraya has felt the need to conduct a workshop on the subject of
parenting. Although parenting is the most important job in the world,
there is no formal training to prepare parents for it. Some aspects of
parenting are instinctive and some are skills, which are to be acquired.
The workshop aimed at dealing with various issues along the way. How
important is environment when compared to inherited traits ; indulgence vs.
discipline, stimulating the child, building self esteem. Is parenting an adopted
child all that different from parenting a biological child ?
Adoptive parents, as well as parents in the process of adoption, were
invited to participate in the workshop that was held on Saturday, September
16, 2000. We received a good response from them ; 48 parents attended.
The first session began at 11 a.m. We had a debate on the topic
“Parents overindulge their adopted children ’’. Three parents spoke for the topic
and three parents spoke against. They shared their views and personal
experiences. Each group summed up their ideas. The session which was very
lively and interactive was moderated by Mr. Ali Khwaja, Secretary of the Voluntary
Co-ordinating Agency, Karnataka. Parents spoke out about their hopes and fears
for their children. Interacting with other adoptive parents helped them look at
parenting from different angles.
After lunch , at 2 p.m. we had a session on ‘ Parenting ’ by Dr. Usha
Suryanarayan, a Doctor in Clinical Psychology. This session too was very
inter-active. A lot of experiences were shared and doubts cleared.
Mrs. Nomita Chandy, Secretary of Ashraya spoke on “ How and when to
tell the child about adoption ’’. The adopted child’s search for roots and identity
and its implications were discussed. It was concluded that the adopted child,
biological parents and adoptive parents all need to be protected in a balanced
way, so that the adoption continues to be a happy experience.
The workshop was a success, both in terms of the numbers that turned up
and the sharing and inputs during the sessions.
We feel that we have bridged a gap between our adoptive parents and us,
by reaching out to the families and children we have touched.
At 4. 30 p.m. after tea we inaugurated the Ashraya Annexe. This new facility
is helping us care for a larger number of children in an even better way.
The function began with a welcome song by the children of Ashraya.
Mrs. Nomita Chandy, the Secretary of Ashraya gave the welcome speech and
spoke of the work we are doing. Mrs. Sudha V. Reddy, eminent Social Worker
and Former M.P. , was our chief guest. She unveiled the stone marking the
occasion and spoke words of encouragement.
We at Ashraya felt a sense of fulfillment at the end of this enriching day. We
are proud to be a shelter, a protection, a shield for children in need.
NIRMALA MOTHA
Social Worker, Ashraya.