MICHELLES ATELIER: My Imperfect childhood: Khuljaye Bachpan

Parenting over the years has evolved drastically. There was a time when parents were known to be daunting and strict, then there were the cool one's who let the child free and encouraged them to do whatever they wanted to and then there were those who did not bother about their kids at all. Back then as a kid, I was always one who was very fun loving child, chirpy and playful, I mean which kid isn't? I was the only child and I had wonderful and extremely loving MOM and DAD!There are many kids I know who are very afraid of their parents and did many things which their parents would disapprove of, well I was too one of them but in a oddly manner, I did not disobey them. I did not do things I knew was wrong. Well I just hid the truth!

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This is my not so khushi ke pal story- However, I think sharing this would help you have a secure and true khushi ke pal with your little ones! Since I was in the 4th Standard, I was molested by my neighbor for about 3-4 years. I would not like to get into details of this.. It is something I would never want any kid to face! Anyways, coming to my point.. My parents had no clue about these instances until I was in the 12th standard.. I know you wonder how now? Well, it happened so that I was studying for my HSC examinations and was also continuously distracted by my phone. My mother was supervising over me and got annoyed that I was not concentrating enough. Actually one of my friend was also facing some harassment and we were sharing my horrid harassment stories over messages. I was giving her moral support and forcing her to take some action instead of telling her parents. Then my mom yells at me again, I got frustrated and told her she need to give me my space and she was very upset with my behavior. Somehow she managed to snatch my phone and read all the conversations I had with my friend! I left home immediately and went to a friend's house to ignore the situation. I came home late evening that day. On returning home I saw my mom's eye puffed and teared and dad sitting right opposite her also looking very sad, he was early home that day than his usual time. I get into the house without making a sound! And laid on the bed staring at the fan. They both came to me and I sat right up and hugged Mom....there was complete silence until she broke down, she did not what to say..they both cried and said sorry! She did not know what when wrong.. Why did I hide all of this from her for so long? We were a perfect family she thought!

Basically, I was afraid back then. I have the best parents trust me! They gave me what I wanted, they celebrated grand birthdays every year, they gave me the best education and they always encouraged me to play sports. However, I did not know back then how to put this across. I was scared, I did not how they would react. Acting normal was they only way out and that is exactly why they had no clue!

Back in my mind I always wished they asked me, what you did all day when we were not at home? I wished they asked me, how did I get the wound rather than just applying the ointments assuming I must have fallen. I wish they asked my why was I crying in my dreams instead of thinking I must have been dreaming of ghost.. I wish...I wish they were my BUDDIES instead of just being my parents. I wish we had that extra BUDDY relationship where in I could pour out my concerns as if they were my "besties''. After all the drama they almost thought they failed to be good parents! But I don't think so.. however, being a friend to the kids always helps them to be true and open up freely.

So this was my not so khushi ke pal, ''khushi ke pal'' story! It definitely felt light and so much better after it was all out! This was a turning point in my life! I was able to be more open after this with my parents than usual we were now complete! I now feel better and I am now able to share every minute details of my life without hesitating with my Buddies-who are my parents! After all, better late than never they say!

This is exactly why I have been very supportive and loving the efforts made by the brand Chocos which helps in creating ‘Khushi Ke Pal’ between parent and child. ‘Khuljyaye Bachpan’ is about being unfettered and fearless. ‘Khuljaye bachpan’ is about empowerment, not being authoritative and thus letting kids be kids. ‘Khuljaye bachpan’ is symbolic of ‘unlocking’ the way childhood should be. These and many more ‘bonding moments’ make learning fun and create a happy and secure childhood.