PW invited parents of Greenwood High, Bangalore to share how they intend to motivate their children for the new academic year

“Every academic year brings new pressures — of performing well, fitting in, and fearing failure — for my son Arsh (grade IX) but also fresh opportunities to build confidence and independence. I believe when children feel genuinely heard at home and in school, they begin the year with assurance rather than anxiety. Schools can nurture this by offering equal opportunities and feedback so every voice counts. At home, we invest substantial time daily helping Arsh reflect, express himself, and reset, while reminding him that progress matters more than perfection. A calm study space and consistent encouragement reinforce our belief that a child thrives when he knows he is not alone” — Amita Mathur, entrepreneur

“As our son Akshat enters class X, we see him navigating academics alongside growing responsibilities and the excitement of teenage life. Like other children his age, he enjoys playtime with friends, gadgets, and especially chess. Therefore, switching to ‘study mode’ can sometimes be a challenge. However, we believe that with the right guidance, every child can find his focus. Instead of rigid schedules, we set small, daily achievable goals. We speak openly about his dreams and strengths so his motivation comes from within. Regular breaks for music, sports, friendships, a quiet game of chess keep his mind refreshed. Our aim is not to push harder, but to support him to become smarter. We celebrate his efforts and remind him that class X is a stepping stone, not a burden” — Namrata Upadhyaya, freelance communicator.

“Returning to India after 15 years in the US was a bold decision, especially as our daughter Unnati (class X) was about to begin high school in Texas. Enrolling her in the CISCE affiliated Greenwood High posed significant challenges, as she had to adapt to an entirely new education system and environment. Catching up academically in class IX was not easy for her. Thankfully, unwavering support and guidance from her teachers helped her navigate this transition with confidence. As she began grade X, we resolved to start afresh — closely monitoring her social media use, arranging the right academic support for her board exams, and consistently reinforcing her self-belief. By standing by her with patience and emotional reassurance, we have done our best to ensure this crucial year progresses smoothly and positively” — Anil Jain, Chip designing engineer, AMD

“Rather than setting ambitious New Year goals, we encourage our children — Ayan (grade IX) and Rohan (grade XII) — to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle: the Habit Engine. Strong academic outcomes are built through steady compounding of small daily actions, not giant leaps. We moved the focus away from end results to consistent routines that kept both boys motivated and well-rounded. Ayan’s daily plan includes solving five challenging problems, revising a difficult lesson, practising piano for 20 minutes, and dedicating an hour to sports. Over time, these habits have delivered impressive results. Rohan, an arts student, similarly relies on daily disciplines to balance rigorous academics with his passion for competitive cricket and the guitar. This emphasis on small, daily actions creates a dependable engine for a student’s entire journey — and may be the motivation learners truly need” — Aparajita Bhattacharya, Sr Director of Engineering at Arm