Learn to Switch On....

 

Learn to Switch On....

Science has evolved tremendously. We have reached an era of robots, artificial intelligence, solar panels and a machine-driven world. Yet, despite all this progress, many myths and misconceptions continue to exist, especially in our country. One of the biggest confusions I notice today is among young parents. With rising expenses, both parents often work, which is understandable and, in many families, essential. However, while both parents contribute financially, they also equally contribute to their child's emotional, language and overall development. Recently, I met an Indian couple living abroad. Being Gujarati, they wanted their child to first learn Gujarati at home. When the child joined school at the age of three, everyone around spoke fluent English. Naturally, the child had a limited English vocabulary and became hesitant while speaking. This is a common situation that many children experience during language development.

It is completely natural for a child learning a new language to search for words before speaking. Unfortunately, many parents immediately assume that hesitation in speech means the child has developed stammering or a speech problem. The anxiety increases when relatives or friends also begin making comments. My dear young parents, please remember that every child develops at a different pace. Even for us as adults, learning a new language is difficult. Then why should we expect a three-year-old child to master it instantly? With patience, encouragement and the right guidance from a qualified speech therapist whenever required, children develop confidence and communication skills beautifully.

Another couple once came to me with a similar concern. The father had experienced stammering during his younger days but had overcome it through practice, determination and confidence. The moment his own child started speaking with hesitation, he immediately assumed that history was repeating itself. I simply asked him, "If you could overcome your stammering, why can't your child?" Instead of allowing fear to control your thoughts, choose positive action. If your child is facing a challenge, seek professional guidance early. Timely assessment and speech therapy, wherever needed, can make a remarkable difference. Worry never solves a problem, but positive action certainly does.

The coronavirus pandemic, natural calamities, increasing crime, accidents, injustice, corruption, jealousy and endless competition have gradually filled our minds with negativity. Today, many of us expect the worst even before something happens. The other day, it was raining heavily and several people cancelled their plans because they feared travelling. I had a flight that day. There was continuous rain and significant turbulence, yet I watched how calmly the pilot managed the aircraft. His training, confidence and experience helped him navigate every challenge. That journey reminded me that life is very similar. Storms will come, but our ability to remain balanced determines how safely we reach our destination.

Our mind works exactly like a switch. Every morning we decide whether to switch on fear or faith, complaints or gratitude, hopelessness or confidence. Positive thinking does not mean ignoring reality; it means believing that every challenge has a solution if we are willing to learn and act. As an audiologist and speech-language pathologist, I have seen countless children and families overcome difficulties that once seemed impossible. The greatest transformation always begins when we change our mindset before trying to change our circumstances.

We trust science every day. We board flights, travel by trains and depend on technology because we believe in knowledge, expertise and systems that have been built over time. Then why do we hesitate to trust the natural process of child development or the guidance of professionals? Once, a parent asked me, "How can we get our child to listen to us?" I smiled and replied, "Both of you are educated adults with years of life experience. Your child has lived only three years. Compared to your child, you have experienced life many more times over."

Instead of expecting children to understand everything immediately, why not first understand what they enjoy, what motivates them and what makes them feel secure? Prepare them gently before situations arise instead of reacting after problems occur. When your warmth, trust and influence are strong, children naturally enjoy listening to you. I often see parents leaving for work while their child is crying, without explaining where they are going. Why not tell your child lovingly that you are working for the family's future? Even today, many mothers carry unnecessary guilt while going to work. There is no need for guilt. When children feel included, respected and emotionally secure, they gradually become more confident, independent and understanding.

Just imagine, Lord Rama defeated Ravana, Lord Krishna defeated Kansa, and Lord Jagannath continues to inspire millions through His divine presence beyond every barrier of caste, religion and status. Every divine incarnation came with a purpose, to guide humanity according to the needs of that era. If even the Divine teaches us to adapt, evolve and respond to changing situations, why should we remain trapped in fear and negative thinking? Let us learn to switch on faith instead of fear, hope instead of doubt and action instead of worry. The day we consciously make this switch, we not only transform our own lives but also become a positive influence on our children, our families and everyone around us.