Manoj’s death indicates poor parent-child dialogue: Experts

Psychologists and experts attribute the worrisome trend to the poor parent-child dialogue,especially in families where both the parents work. “A little counselling could have saved the boy. It is the parents’ responsibility to develop a friendly relationship with the child and have pleasant and relevant dialogue. In the absence of such a relationship,a barrier is created between parents and kids. Adolescents and youngsters are hesitant to share their problems with parents,which can lead to unfortunate incidents,” said Seema Darode,a clinical and educational psychologist who runs Child Guidance Centre in the city.

According to Rupali Mehendale,superintendent of Maharashtra Mandal English Madium School,dialogue between parent and child cannot be developed overnight; it has to be gradual process and parents should start early.

“In many families,both parents work and cannot spend as much time with the their kids as they should. However,they should try to spend quality time with them instead of trying to make up for its lack by expensive gifts and pocket money. It is important not to let the child feel ignored or left alone. Having a healthy dialogue will contribute greatly in solving such problems,” said Mehendale.

Mehendale said teachers,too,have an equal responsibility in this regard. “As children spend a good deal of time at school,if the teacher realises anything amiss in the child’s behaviour,he or she should get in touch with parents and sort out the issue. Children understand the language of love,” said Mehendale.

Dr Anuradha Sahastrabudde,executive director of the Childline,a 24-hour helpline for children in distress,said,“Because of the growing number of such cases,we have been proposing to schools and junior colleges to undertake counselling sessions. Some schools do employ counsellors,but students there start associating them with school authorities and do not feel free and safe to share personal problems with them.”

Sahastrabudde pressed for educating parents so that they understand the issues faced by adolescents and how to tackle them.

“Many parents,afraid of issues like family’s reputation if their children fall in love,reprimand their children. Parents need to be trained on how to deal with such issues without hurting their children’s sensibilities,” said Sahastrabuddhe.

Teenager who shot self dies

A 17-year-old college student Manoj Jadhav who had allegedly shot himself with his brother’s revolver at his Chikhali residence on Saturday,died at a Chinchwad hospital on Sunday. He had shot himself above the ear on right side.

He was first rushed to Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital in Pimpri and was later shifted to Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital. Rekha Dubey,chief operating officer with the hospital,said,“The injury was very severe and he was on life support system. In spite of all efforts,Manoj died on Sunday around 10.30 am.”

Manoj is survived by mother and two elder brothers.

Dehu Road police said Manoj had an affair with a girl and his family wanted him to end his relationship with her and concentrate on studies.

“He had passed his class 11th exam in science stream from a Pimpri college and wanted to become a doctor.” said sub-inspector M K Dhavan.