Star Diary

Boi Mela: Reviving Our Love for Reading

Every February, I do not let go of the opportunity to revive my love for reading by visiting the Boi Mela. I let my children accompany me. I have been trying to instill the habit of reading within my three children since their early years. My youngest son Shabab, who is in the first grade, is a huge fan of ghost stories. This time, while roaming throughout the book fair, my son came across a number of short ghost story books. To quench his thirst, I bought him four books of the kind. I was very happy to see my child excited about reading books. Also, the whole aura around Boi Mela throughout the month of February is very special and dear to me as it brings back my own childhood memories.

Sharif Arifa Nupur

Mohakhali D.O.H.S, Dhaka  

Children Learn What They Observe

Last week, I visited one of my distant relatives house for a dinner invitation. They have an eight-year-old son. At one point, I over heard the child addressing their domestic helper by "tui". He was throwing toys at her too. It disturbed me when I noticed that, the helper was almost four times older by age. But, to my uttermost disappointment, his parents did not stop or even correct him. Instead, they seemed relaxed and were indulging in conversations with the guests. Here, the child is not at fault. At this age, children learn from their surroundings and it is the parents' responsibility to ensure them a sound environment. No matter how busy parents might be, we must find and give time to our children and teach them proper norms and etiquette. Whether they are domestic helpers or family members, children should be taught to respect and treat everyone equally.

Rafid Alam

School Of Business, North South University