COMMANDMENTS FOR GOOD PARENTING

Raising a child well is a partnership between home and school. These guidelines come from patterns Excellia School has observed over years of working with students and families, and are offered as practical, everyday advice rather than strict rules.

Time, consistency and discipline

1. Spend quality time with your children -- if needed, sacrifice leisure hours to see your child's dreams fulfilled.
2. Avoid criticising the school, the Principal or teachers in front of your child. It builds disrespect for the school and can leave the child confused about which rules to follow.
3. Follow the school's own rules yourself -- pay fees on time, attend PTMs, and respond promptly to calls from teachers or the Wing Head. Children follow instructions more readily when they see parents doing the same.
4. Don't react impulsively if a teacher has disciplined your child. Talk to your child first, then to the teacher or Head Mistress, before drawing conclusions.
5. Avoid saying "we work hard for you; what we have belongs to you." Teach children to delay gratification and tell the difference between a need and a want.

Around the house

6. Check your child's bag and belongings at least once a week. Occasionally children bring unwanted material to school, so don't mind if bags or bottles are checked by school staff too.
7. Involve both sons and daughters in household chores -- washing, cleaning, dusting, ironing, cooking, gardening -- for about half an hour, twice a week. It channels their energy constructively and teaches the dignity of labour.
8. Balance firmness with leniency. Over-pampering tends to cause problems later in school and college.
9. Keep track of your child's pocket money and help them build a saving habit, without handing over excess money. The school will never ask a child for money directly -- any requirement is communicated to parents by SMS.

Technology and friendships

10. Never allow unsupervised, unchecked access to the internet and social media -- especially platforms like Instagram and Google Chat. Be firm about this even if your child objects; it's a matter of their future, not a punishment.
11. Don't encourage mobile phone use during school life. Mobile addiction distracts far more than it helps -- encourage physical activity and sport instead, accompanying younger children to the playground if needed.
12. Keep a close watch on your child's friend circle, including friends made at tuition classes, and visit tuition classes occasionally to check for changes in behaviour.
13. Avoid over-pleading your child's case in difficult situations -- it risks teaching them to seek sympathy rather than take responsibility.

Above all, be patient

Never respond to your child with sudden anger, off-the-cuff remarks, or conclusions drawn without listening first. Give your child time, advice and love, and you'll be surprised how effectively that wards off negative thinking.