Task-driven world leaves no time for ‘ouma’

I JUST want to raise an opinion based on the Issues at Stake article written by Rachelle Breed in the ZO of 27 February titled ‘Family pressure cooker reaching boiling point’.

I am a grandmother who visits my children annually for a period of three months at a time.

As I live in the Western Cape, this is the time that I set aside to bond with my grandchildren.

For the past three years, I have spent my time in vain trying to spend quality time with the family, but ended up reading one book after the other as they are consumed with school homework.

I come from a generation who has done well for themselves, had ample and good quality education, enough time to take part in at least one sport and was able to finish homework in about an hour in the afternoon.

I see burnt-out kids, overworked parents, forced activities and no family time or the opportunity to spend time with grandparents.

Maybe there are teachers who can comment on this and give some sort of an explanation as to why the importance of a family support system is being broken down to make place for tense task-driven children and frustrated parents, who have to compete with the next parent for higher marks for yet another assignment.

CONFUSED FROM ALBERTINIA