Chip off the old block

I love to watch rain fall. The sound, the cool air and the feeling of laziness that comes with it. Of course I look forward to the sun after days of rain but you know what I mean. The occasional heavy downpour when you are home, warm and dry! Being an archiect, I have planned many houses with a terrace. A private terrace or verandah where one can sit and do nothing but watch the rain pelting on the vegetation, making ripples in young puddles. Its a phenomenon that soothes all the senses... The sound, the smell, the sight, the touch and if you like it, the taste! I share this passion with my father in particular. On many occasions I have heard him suggest the same. Once i remember remarking.. "Oh I love watching the rain." And my dad joked," There is now no doubt that you are my daughter!"
Recently we moved into our 9th floor apartment at Ernakulam. I now share my rain watching pastime with my daughters.
Another thing I like to watch is city lights at night. I remember my aunt's breezy apartment at Chennai whom we visited during vacations. It had balconies where I liked to stand for hours looking at the city lights dreaming of having a place like that when I grew up. Some wishes do come true!
Recently my parents visited us at our apartment. And I found him on many occasions, standing in the balcony looking at the night lights!
It amuses me to think not only do I look like him but there also these quirks that I have inherited!!!

Keep the children safe

Do see this video that teaches a child about bad touches.

"My Body Belongs To Me" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-5mdt9YN6I&feature=youtube_gdata_player

It isnt just kids who need to know but also parents who might be living in self denial that such things occur far more commonly and are not just statistics in the newspaper. Its also a lesson to the casual adult who might unintentionally invade the privacy of a child. Yes. We have to start treating children like little persons who have rights too. For instance knocking before entering closed doors. And above all the video emphasises the importance for parents to believe the child rather than hush up or scold.
Its important to teach "dont talk to strangers or take gifts from them". But its important to know that the major damage is done by known friends. One, the child is likely to lower the guard against a known person and secondly, is less likely to complain against a close relation or friend of a parent.
Its very important that children are also taught to respect other peoples privacy so our children grow up into conscientious adults who respect others' bodies and also stand up against crimes.
Most importantly, try and keep the communication line open between your child and you for as long as you can. Answer all questions with sincereity incuding those about private parts right from childhood and hopefully they will turn to you in their teens, when most kids start claming up. Remember, what your child tells you and how much they reveal will depend on what kind of reactions they get and grow to expect. If you are going to freak out, they will learn to shut up or turn to someone else.