Many parents worry that if left unsupervised, their children will waste time instead of learning. But what if this fear stems more from our own schooling experiences than our children’s actual capabilities? In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Malpani gently challenges a concerned mother’s fears and makes a powerful case for trusting our children to take charge of their own learning—when given the right environment and tools.
Sneha (parent): Dr. Malpani, can I ask you something that’s been bothering me since your talk? You said children are naturally curious and can learn on their own if we just trust them. But I’m not so sure. If I left my 12-year-old to his own devices, I think all he’d do is play video games and scroll through YouTube shorts.
Dr. Malpani: That’s a fair question, Sneha—and it’s a very common fear. As parents, we often underestimate our children’s ability to take charge of their learning. But let me ask you—why do you think your son would only fool around?
Sneha: Because that’s all he seems to want to do when he gets free time. And we’ve worked so hard to give him a good education—school fees, tutors, extracurriculars. If we don’t keep a tight grip, I feel like he’ll waste it all.
Dr. Malpani: I understand that completely. You love him and want the best for him. But let’s flip the script for a moment—what if he’s goofing off not because he’s lazy, but because he feels trapped and uninspired ?
Sneha (pausing): Uninspired?
Dr. Malpani: Yes. Think about it: we’re forcing children to do things they have no interest in, day after day—memorize facts, prepare for tests, follow rigid schedules, all in the name of “education.” And when they resist or switch off, we assume they are the problem.
Sneha: But aren’t children supposed to be guided? If we just let them follow their interests, won’t they just… run wild?
Dr. Malpani: That’s a very “schoolish” fear. But remember, before schools existed, children still learned—by observing, doing, asking, exploring. They’re born wired to learn. You’ve probably seen how toddlers figure out how to walk, speak, or use a smartphone—without being “taught.”
Sneha (smiling): That’s true. My younger daughter taught herself how to draw watching YouTube videos. She never learned it in school.
Dr. Malpani: Exactly! When children are interested, they become unstoppable. But when we force them to study things they don’t care about, they disengage. And we call them lazy, or label them as “poor performers.”
Sneha: So you’re saying the problem isn’t the child—it’s the system?
Dr. Malpani: That’s right. Our education system is built on control and compliance. It teaches kids to follow instructions, cram for marks, and obey authority—not to think critically or learn independently. And because we grew up in that same system, we think that’s the only way to learn.
Sneha: But isn’t structure important?
Dr. Malpani: Of course! Children need structure—but not strangulation. The structure should support their curiosity, not suppress it. That’s the difference between a traditional classroom and a well-run digital learning pod.
Sneha: I’ve heard about learning pods from your website. But I still wonder—what if my child just doesn’t want to learn anything at all?
Dr. Malpani: That’s almost never the case. What children resist is being forced to learn things that feel meaningless. Give them the freedom to explore what excites them—robotics, animation, history, design, storytelling—and you’ll be amazed at how fast they learn, and how deeply they think.
Sneha: But how do I know they’re learning enough?
Dr. Malpani: Ask them what they’re working on. Let them show you their projects. Let them teach you. You’ll know. The real test of learning isn’t a mark sheet—it’s whether a child can create, explain, build, and grow. We trust children with our phones, remotes, and passwords—but we hesitate to trust them with their own education.
Sneha (laughing): That’s true. My son sets up my phone every time there’s a software update.
Dr. Malpani: See? He’s capable. He just needs space. Respect. Trust. That’s what a digital learning pod gives him. It’s not about leaving him alone—it’s about creating a safe, structured environment where he chooses what and how he wants to learn.
Sneha: But what about school exams and boards?
Dr. Malpani: If you want your child to appear for exams, you can follow the NIOS curriculum or any other open board. But that should be the floor, not the ceiling. The goal isn’t to scrape by—it’s to soar beyond. Online certifications, real-world projects, and a personal website to showcase their work are far more valuable in today’s world than a degree.
Sneha: You really think employers care more about that than marks?
Dr. Malpani: Absolutely. Ask any employer—they’re looking for skills, initiative, and communication, not rank holders. We need to prepare our children for the future, not the past.
Sneha (thoughtful): I guess I’ve been parenting out of fear. Fear that if I let go, he’ll fall behind.
Dr. Malpani: That fear is natural. But if we don’t trust our children to lead their own learning, we’re teaching them to always wait for permission, to always follow someone else’s plan. That’s not education—that’s obedience training.
Sneha: So what’s the first step?
Dr. Malpani: Create a digital learning pod—at home or with a few other families. Give your child a PC, an internet connection, and freedom. Support them. Ask questions. Celebrate effort, not marks. You’ll see your child come alive in ways school never allowed.
Sneha (smiling): Thank you, Dr. Malpani. I came in scared. I’m walking away hopeful.
Dr. Malpani: You have every reason to be hopeful. Your child is already capable—you just need to get out of their way. Take matters in your own hands by starting your own digital learning pod – your children will not get a second chance!
👉 https://www.teachtoearn.in/start-a-teach-to-earn-learning-pod/