In this day and age, one dilemma which the family units face in our part of the world is the understanding and level of communication between parents and children. Bond between them may be a unique one, enriched with feelings of unconditional love, trust and loyalty towards each other, it sometimes becomes a hurdle in the way of learning for the latter.

Growing children often complain of their parents being too demanding or overbearing. In their efforts to discipline their children, parents are likely to overlook what those at the receiving end have going on in their young minds.

Granted, the parental code is set for the benefit of their children. However, in today’s times, when exposure to the knowledge of the world is just a matter of a few presses of your computer (and even your mobile phone) keys, children are not all too ignorant as they might be perceived by their elders.

I believe that the extent of limitations put upon children, whether they are linked to tradition or culture, is not always as beneficial as it seems to be. Often it is important to let your children learn to take their own decisions -- which they will learn, if they take their own decisions themselves -- in their little, big, day-to-day issues.

The foresight and wisdom of elders is without a doubt an aid to younger generations but the ‘constant’ (yes, I must stress on this!) practice of depriving them of their right to exercise their own will and, sometimes, express their own opinion develops feelings of anxiety and, unintentionally (for the parents), affects the children’s confidence. Think approval/disapproval of your choice of ‘appropriate’ friends. Some parents even disregard sending their children off to educational institutions that are not in their home town. Why, because they would not have much say in the latter’s life as boarders.

To a teenager like myself, stopping (well, it amounts to stopping!) ideas from evolving, and not letting you carve your own path, whether it is on the academic level or whatever, is not done. It is not how you create individuals who have minds of their own.

To know yourself and be confident enough to put your foot down when you want to -- such freedom is necessary for the growth of individuals.

To not give yourself the chance to reach your full potential and explore your capabilities, is criminal.