Schools, Ur baby and U

If you are a parent of a 3 year old and jostling, fretting and fuming to get your child into a "good school" in Delhi, it would be useful to read one particular chapter in the famous book by Steven Levitt "Freakonomics".... At least it will keep you from being hassled too much. The central thesis of the chapter is whatever you had to give in terms of genes and social environment you have already given to your child by the time she is born... rest is left to her peer group...

The first premise should obviously desist you from "traning" your child for those nasty intereviews where exceptionally nasty teachers ask equally nasty questions to your toddler and the godlike saviour high court of Delhi religiously asks those nasty teachers every year not to ask those nasty questions [I wonder why the same court allows a rape victim to be asked details about the incident in full view of packed courts, is a three year old in the presence of parents more vulnerable than a rape victim under cross examination? But I digress]

The second premise will reiterate the need to put your child in the right schools. Here is where you need to do your homework well based on your imagination of the future of the child. The problem is really yours and your expectations from your child and what she is going to be in future.

Here is a guide to select schools in Delhi: a) Noveau rich b) Rich but Shy to confess c) we make them wizards or idiots the risk is yours d) we do not sell our brand but provide wholesome education d) we are there just because of our brand and alumni. Go to the market with this criteria and u will make the right choice.

Please remember the interviews are not as bad in some schools and they really interview you and how you want to bring up your child. You should at least know that......

Cheers