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As ‘Children’s Day’ is around the corner, we thought we would ask some parents about navigating the challenges of raising children, their concerns, and how they are ensuring their child grows up in the best possible environment.

Aayush Shakya, 29

As a first-time parent, I must admit that I’m a little lost. With my knowledge of child psychology, I try to understand him when he throws tantrums. But I worry about him all the time. I don’t know what he is going through or what he wants. I don’t know if he’s feeling unwell or if he wants food. I’m pretty clueless most of the time.  

It’s true that a child’s upbringing has an impact on his/her mental health as well. S/he will grow up to be a good person if s/he is raised in a happy, understanding, and positive environment. I guess that’s a lot of pressure on the parents. I want to make sure my child gets a lot of love, care, and emotional support so that he becomes a well-grounded person in the future.

Usha Tamang, 38

Children are affected by their environment so every parent must make sure it’s conducive for a child’s growth. It’s the parent’s responsibility to ensure the child grows up well. Since I don’t know much about child psychology, I make it a point to be careful about how I deal with him. I’m concerned about his mental health since there can be so many triggers. Sometimes, we mistakenly raise our voices and my child feels bad. I fear this might have a negative impact in the long term though he doesn’t seem to be affected by it at the moment. However, I’m mindful of the fact that I must be cautious about my words and actions around him.   

Harsha Bahadur Shrestha, 60

Parents are responsible for their children and, I feel, it’s a lifelong responsibility. We must guide them in a way that promotes critical thinking, social adaptability, and self-awareness. I think children learn a lot by looking at their peers, more so now than ever before so every parent must monitor their children’s circle when they are growing up. As for myself, I think I have done a fairly decent job in raising my children and teaching them good values. I think I have managed to steer them in the right direction, emphasizing on the need to make good decisions when picking friends and careers, as well as being professional without ever harming others.

I get extremely negative vibes when I talk to this one person who shares everything with me. After listening to her, I can’t ignore this creepy feeling I get. I frequently get affected by what she has said. How can I help myself to stop feeling this way? Should I ignore it or how can I change myself to look at things in a positive way?

Answered by Tashi Phunjo Gurung, consultant psychiatrist

It’s not unnatural for us to feel drained and fatigued after someone has unloaded their burden on us. After all, we are human beings, and it’s hard not to get unaffected when we listen to someone’s struggles and hear them out.

I am curious to know: who is this person you are talking about? Are they a romantic partner? A friend or family member? Or a work colleague/acquaintance?

If they are someone who is not within your intimate circle, maintaining distance (both emotional and physical) can be the way to go. In no way are we obligated to be there for the person every time. It’s okay to hold our space.

However, if this person is someone who’s in the intimate circle, it would be very important to communicate your emotions regarding their sharing. Gently communicating with them about how the sharing affects you can lead to a more balanced dynamic, where both your needs are considered.

As a counselor, one of the things we learn early in our career is that we can only be there for our clients through their struggles but not rescue them. Perhaps this perspective can also be helpful to you. What you are doing for the person is more than enough. Not many people have the bandwidth to be there for the other person emotionally. I would suggest appreciating yourself for your efforts, but also at the same time keeping in mind that you are not responsible for them.

Providing emotional support is enough. It clearly shows that the other person trusts you, and thus is able to confide in you. What you are doing is truly commendable.

Lastly, self-care is absolutely essential. Engaging in uplifting and relaxing activities is helpful. Do you like walking? Deep breathing? Spending time in nature? There are various things to take care of our emotional needs, you can choose one that you resonate with the most.

It’s crucial to remember that while offering support to others is commendable, your own well-being should never be compromised. By setting healthy boundaries, practicing self-care, and communicating openly, you can maintain a balance between being there for others and preserving your own emotional health. It’s okay to take a step back when needed, and prioritize yourself. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Former Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae has said that the Pancheshwar hydropower project should not be extended under any pretext. Speaking at a discussion program organized by the Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement, the former ambassador said that there should be no delay in Pancheshwar as the effects of climate change are beginning to be seen in hydropower.

He said that if the project can be completed on time, it will be beneficial in all aspects and the more it is delayed, the more losses will be incurred. Saying that both Nepal and India are at loss if Pancheshwar is not made, former ambassador Rae asked to solve the problem. He argued that the cost of the project has increased due to the delay. Rae says that Nepal and India need to look at hydropower strategically rather than as just a resource.

The dream of Pancheshwar being shown to Nepali people for 67 years still remains undecided. It is said that out of more than 500 disagreements in the Detailed Study Report (DPR) of both countries, only a couple of issues have not been agreed upon. Both countries have not been able to present a common opinion, mainly regarding the utility of water. The work of Pancheshwar is not progressing as both countries seem stuck in their own interests rather than in the bilateral interests of water utilization.

The Central Commission of India identified the Pancheshwar project on the Mahakali river in 1956. In 1978, a joint group of experts from both Nepal and India was formed and it was decided to conduct a detailed field investigation independently.

In 1988, the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project Office was established under the Ministry of Water Resources. In the previous year, with the financial support of the International Development Commission, on-site exploration work was conducted in Nepali territory.

In 1991, it prepared a report on the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project, which included the Pancheshwar High Dam and Rupaligad Retention Dam. It is proposed that 6,480 megawatts of rock fill dam with a height of 315 meters in Pancheshwar and 240 megawatts in 83 meters height of re-regulating dam in Rupaligad can be produced, generating a total of 6,720 megawatts of electricity. 

Based on that study, Nepal prepared a detailed project report in 1995. According to the latest information from the Ministry of Energy, the total production capacity of Pancheshwar is about five thousand megawatts.

After the conclusion of the treaty between the Government of Nepal and the Government of India regarding the Mahakali River Sharda Barrage, Tanakpur Barrage and Pancheshwar Project on 12 Feb, 1996, the basis for jointly operating this project with bi-national investment was prepared.

On 24 Nov 2009, it was agreed to form the Pancheshwar Development Authority at the 5th secretary-level meeting of the Nepal-India Joint Water Resources Committee. The meeting also prepared the agenda of the Authority (PDA). The agenda was approved by the Government of Nepal and sent to the Government of India.

The first meeting held in Kathmandu in Oct 2014 approved the statute of the authority. The authority’s meeting held in New Delhi in Nov 2014 declared the Indian government-owned company Wapcos Limited to prepare a joint DPR based on the DPR prepared separately by the two countries. In the year 2016/17, there was a disagreement saying that the joint DPR submitted by Wapcos was against the Mahakali Treaty.

The measures taken by the government to ensure fair prices and smooth availability of essential goods for the upcoming festive season are both timely and commendable. The announcement to open 42 fair price shops from Sept 23 across the country, from Dashain through the Chhath festival, demonstrates a commitment to consumer welfare during a period when demand hits peak and prices become volatile. By leveraging the strengths of three government entities—Salt Trading Corporation, Food Management and Trading Company, and Dairy Development Corporation—the government aims to provide a wide range of essential items at discounted rates. The discounts announced on various products, from rice and lentils to oil and live goats, will undoubtedly provide relief to many households struggling with rising living costs.

While the government has been opening fair price shops ahead of the festive season for the past many years, there has not been any study on the effectiveness of this initiative. Although these shops provide some relief to vulnerable consumers, their impact on overall market prices is limited. The government must complement this initiative with strong market monitoring and regulatory measures to ensure wider market compliance and prevent unscrupulous trading practices. The Industry Ministry’s announcement to conduct 4,000 market inspections is a step in the right direction. The sealing of 100,000 kg of sugar in warehouses sends a strong message to those who might consider hoarding essential goods. These actions, coupled with a pledge to prevent supply chain disruptions and artificial shortages, demonstrate a comprehensive approach of the government toward market regulation. The government's decision to provide a 50 percent customs duty waiver for importing 30,000 tons of sugar is another noteworthy measure. This strategy of increasing supply to stabilize prices could prove effective if implemented efficiently. However, measures must be taken to ensure that these benefits are passed on to consumers and not absorbed by middle-men.

As we approach the festive season, the government’s multi-pronged strategy of opening fair price shops, conducting market monitoring and providing import facilitation is commendable. However, the true test lies in its execution. For example, the price of sugar has climbed as high as Rs 160 per kg during the festive season despite all these initiatives. Strong enforcement, transparent operations and quick response to market fluctuations will be crucial for the success of this initiative. Moreover, while short-term measures like these are necessary, the government should also focus on long-term strategies to boost domestic production of essential goods. This would not only reduce dependency on imports but also ensure stable prices throughout the year.