A Parent–Teacher Interaction Meeting was held at Chairman Manickavasagam Middle School in Devakottai, Sivaganga district. A large number of parents attended the meeting and interacted with teachers on matters relating to students' education, discipline, and overall development.
The meeting was chaired by the school's Headmaster, L. Chokkalingam. Addressing the gathering, he stressed the importance of teaching children the basics of financial management and financial planning from an early age.
He said parents should instill good financial habits such as saving regularly, planning expenses, and avoiding unnecessary spending. These practices, if taught during childhood, would help students grow into responsible citizens in the future. He also urged parents to practice proper financial planning within their families and serve as role models for their children.
The special guest, Prasad, Special Educator for Children with Disabilities at the Devakottai Block Resource Centre, delivered an awareness session for parents.
In his address, he advised parents to closely monitor their children's daily activities, speech development, behaviour, and social interactions. He emphasized that the developmental progress of children between six months and two years of age should be carefully observed to ensure it matches age-appropriate milestones. Parents were advised to seek immediate medical consultation if they notice signs such as delayed speech, behavioural changes, or difficulty interacting with others.
Prasad explained that early identification of autism enables timely intervention through appropriate therapy and training, significantly improving a child's development. Delayed diagnosis, he cautioned, could adversely affect the child's future.
He also expressed concern over the increasing use of mobile phones by children. Excessive screen time, he said, may affect children's ability to follow parental guidance and develop healthy social relationships. He advised parents to gradually reduce their children's mobile phone usage and encourage them to participate in outdoor games, reading, and creative activities instead.
Several parents who attended the meeting appreciated the school's initiatives aimed at improving students' academic performance and personality development.
The programme was organised by teachers Sridhar and Nivedha.