THE recent announcement of the PMR results has brought tears of joy and sadness to those who have taken the Form Three exam, and the parents of these students have beamed with happiness or been overwhelmed with sorrow.

And although there were suggestions that the media should tone down reports on excellent students due to the sensitivity and concerns for those who have not done so well, it is hard to ignore the successes. In my opinion they should continue to be aired to encourage others to do well.

Parents are told not to burden their children with high expectations; that whatever their children’s results and outcomes are, they should support their children so that they would continue to develop and grow positively.

Parents should also not stress on the number of As their children should get, as getting many As doesn’t necessarily guarantee a better future, and not getting lots of As is not deemed a failure.

However, lately, based on observing friends’ and relatives’ parenting methods,

I notice a trend of ‘celebrity parents’ emerging.

Such parents go all out to encourage their children to become ‘celebrities’ singers, models, (belly) dancers, actors and so forth.

Some would take their children to countless auditions and talent competitions, even during school hours and regardless of whether their children are really interested, or talented.

Indeed, for these parents, the emphasis and expectations are not on academic achievements, but on how well their children rate in popularity contests.

Most would seek the ‘glamour’. They push their children to the limits and start them young to gain wealth and popularity, and then compare them with other ‘failed and unsuccessful’ young hopefuls.

I have witnessed some (very young) children being on the verge of tears and fatigue from constantly going to talent competitions and auditions; and some young girls have so much make-up they no longer look their age.

Also, the outfits and dresses are indeed way too flashy and revealing for young girls.

I just hope the ‘celebrity-obsessed’ parenting method would not have any negative outcomes on the children in the long run.

NAZREEN,
Mersing, Johor.