In today’s internet landscape, random advice threads have become an unwelcome trend. Whether on Facebook, Reddit, or Instagram, some users invite others to share “random advice,” believing that this will somehow be beneficial. However, the reality is that most people turn to the internet for specific solutions to specific problems, like troubleshooting a malfunctioning remote or fixing a washing machine.
What Advice Forums Should Focus On
When desi women-only groups started sharing advice, I hoped for useful tips—perhaps a quick recipe for biryani or comebacks for wedding-related criticisms. Instead, the advice often included generic platitudes like, “If you were invited last minute, you were never part of the plan,” and vague reminders to “treat others how you’d like to be treated.” It took scrolling through countless comments to find genuinely practical advice, such as the timeless tip to read to your children.
The Importance of Reading
Despite a strong focus on academic achievements and grades among desi parents, there’s a noticeable lack of emphasis on reading. A mother I spoke to was distraught over her child’s mock GCSE grade of 7, believing it necessitated immediate tutoring. This obsession with grades often overshadows the benefits of reading. When I asked the child about their reading preferences, they were more focused on academic subjects and less on fiction, which they deemed “a waste.”
Why Reading Matters
Parents often rely on schools to handle reading or resort to enforcing screen-time restrictions as motivation. However, reading for pleasure has numerous benefits: it enhances vocabulary, fosters empathy, and improves concentration. Despite this, many parents overlook these advantages in favor of academic prowess.
My Experience with Reading
As an avid reader, I’ve made it a point to read to my children from a young age. Our home is filled with books by authors like Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl, and J.K. Rowling. While my kids are enthusiastic readers, they still grapple with spelling and punctuation and engage in lively sibling squabbles. Yet, I remain hopeful. A teenage girl once remarked that my extensive bookshelf indicated high intelligence, which I took as a sign that our reading habits are making a positive impact, even if the benefits aren’t always immediately apparent.
In conclusion, while random advice threads might not offer much value, the focus should be on providing specific, practical guidance and nurturing habits that have long-term benefits, like reading. Even if immediate results aren’t visible, the effort invested in fostering a love for books will eventually pay off in ways we might not fully appreciate right away.
