Mrs. Sara Alexander

Correspondent - Spartan Matric. Hr. Sec. School

GOODWILL AMBASSADOR, for the Government of Tamil Nadu initiative for Plastic Pollution free Tamil Nadu

 A child’s brain undergoes tremendous development from birth to three years of age, forming more than 700 neural connections every second. Should we further overload this rapidly growing brain?

Neuroscientists have discovered that chronic stress triggers long-term changes in brain structure and function. Children exposed to excessive stress are not only at risk of learning disabilities but are also more prone to anxiety, depression, and mood disorders later in life. Renowned psychologist Lev Vygotsky introduced the concept of the Zone of Proximal Development, emphasizing that children learn best when tasks are neither too easy nor too difficult. How can we ensure that our children remain in this optimal learning zone? How do we achieve the

delicate balance where the magic of joyful learning unfolds? While children should be exposed to good stress, such as studying diligently and acquiring new skills, we must also be mindful of their well-being.

Parenting

Is our parenting rooted in kindness and encouragement, or is it built on criticism and hostility? Do we focus on appreciating our child’s efforts, or are we constantly searching

for mistakes? Kindness should be the core of our parenting story—the key memory we create for our children. Think about how one-year-olds attempt to walk. They fall countless times but get up again every single time. That’s how children are designed—resilient, determined, and fearless in the face of failure. At Spartan Matriculation, we nurture children into pillars of kindness, generosity, and resilience. Ask yourself: What do you envision for your child 10 or 20 years from now? Do you want them to be highly educated yet indifferent and self-centered? Or would you rather see them as well-rounded individuals — empathetic, kind, and generous to all?

Compassion isn’t about solutions. It’s about giving all the love that you’ve got.