“Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things.” – Henry Ward Beecher

Helicopter parents

The term "helicopter parenting" stems from the notion that about parents who hover over their children and then rescue them when needed. Helicopter parenting has a few advantages, but mostly results in negative consequences for kids. These parents are obsessed with a desire to create a perfect world for their kids... one in which they never have to face struggles, inconveniences, discomforts, or disappointments. There are a few advantages to being a helicopter parent but they're small and short-lived. For example, when kids are young, being a helicopter parent might lead to fewer bumps and bruises. When parental supervision is too close, you run the risk of cutting your kids off from important life experiences, starting at a young age. The children of helicopter parents can struggle when it comes to learning boundaries or judging safety on their own. I would like to advice the parents who are too involved in their child’s life, it might be the right time to pull back and give your kids a bit more room to breathe.

Fayyaz Ashfaq,
Karachi

The unquestioned case of ethical production

Ethical production is a holistic approach to ensure all parts of its product production is safe, efficient, and focuses on the health of the workers. An ethical business does not sacrifice worker’s safety or worker’s health for increased productivity. Labours or employees in an ethical business are treated fairly, with balanced work hours, appropriate compensation, and thorough protection against injury. But sadly, in the age of utmost convenience, we are largely disconnected from the production process of most of our purchased goods. Because it is so hidden out of our sight, it becomes easy to brush over the fact that every choice we make has consequences beyond what the product label can inform us of. Ethical production, waste disposal, absence of animal cruelty, use of renewable resources, efficient low waste technology are some of the points to consider when investing your hard earned money and trust into a product.

Mrs Haider,
Karachi

Help keep the poor warm this winter

Winter can be by far the toughest season for vulnerable families. This time of year brings struggling families a host of hardships they simply cannot face alone. Some of the people most at risk when the temperature drops are those without so much as a roof over their heads. People living on the streets are often outcast from society, forgotten at a time where they are in most need of help. These people are at severe risk of serious illness or death when the night temperatures fall well below freezing. So, I request everyone to do their part in providing the homeless with emergency winter kits containing blankets and warm clothing and keeping them warm this winter.

Shujjat Ali,
Islamabad

Life lessons to keep in mind for 2020

2020 is here and I feel it’s fair to say that all of us are looking back on the year gone by, and making plans for the new year. Thinking about all of the things I experienced in the past year, I have learnt three life lessons in 2019 that I believe we should all keep on top of our minds as we go ahead with 2020. First thing you need to do is find that one goal that you are passionate about, and then work your way toward achieving it. Secondly, stop looking for quick gains. Persistence and perseverance are really everything, and so make sure that you have these traits instilled in yourself as you go through your respective lives. Thirdly, be kind. In a world where bad behaviour by people is almost being celebrated, I’m here to state that the opposite is what really makes an impression – the wins you get to make for yourself by being nice, being decent, and being genuine are far more important than those you make by pulling a fast one.

Anoushey Afridi,
Lahore