The Game of Change

Geeta Ramakrishnan

Geeta

Interactive talk with students and parents on ‘Winning THE game of Change’

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Some articles on my interactive talk with the 9th and 10th graders and their parents in Thakur International School, Kandivali, Mumbai.

  1. Online: Mumbai News Network.

Dated: 17th April 2019

And In

2. Web News Wire:

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3. News Patrolling:

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4. HB.COM portal

Viewership : 67,900
By :Hitesh Brahmbhatt    an ex-DNA newspaper writer, now publishing on his own website.
Thakur International School initiates ‘Winning the game of change’ workshop with Bestselling Author Geeta Ramakrishnan

 15th April 2019, Mumbai – Thakur International School has always been committed to the welfare of students.  This is evident from their stance on consistently making an effort to organize workshops for students as well as for parents. The sole purpose behind these workshops is to make the students capable and knowledgeable to raise an opinion in society. These sessions are conducted by renowned and credible professionals who understand the critical parent-child dynamics.

One such workshop was held by the bestselling author Geeta Ramakrishnan. It was called ‘Winning the game of change’. It was held for the students who had given the tenth standard board examinations as well as the students who were about to enter the tenth standard and their parents. The session was an interactive one. It focused on helping students, parents, and teachers cope with the changes that would occur once the students pass out of school and enter college.

The need for such a workshop has been felt by students and parents all over the city. This has been primarily due to the absence of a formal mechanism which smoothens the transition from school to college life for the students. As these students are at an impressionable age, they find it difficult to cope up with several changes related to lifestyle, expectations, studies and social interactions once they enter college. Parents too aren’t sure about what to expect unless they have an older child who has been through the rigor. Yet, every child is different and therefore would require mentoring. Students are often unable to handle the stress related to academics or social life in college and end up taking inappropriate steps to deal with pressure. Geeta Ramakrishnan’s workshop highlighted the need for open interaction between parents and their wards as a solution to deal with such challenges.

Ms. Shunila Joy Chauhan, Principal of Thakur International School – Cambridge, says – “The workshop was an interactive and insightful experience for our parents, students, and teachers. The session was all about motivating and encouraging students to shed their inhibitions and speak their mind. The interesting part was the innovative and practical examples given by the author on handling change skilfully and constructively. Being proponents of ‘dialogue and discussion’ as an integral life skill, we believe that such value-adding workshops go a long way in preparing our students for the future.”

  “It’s always fun engaging with kids and identifying what interests them. It is important to understand their problems because they are hesitant about sharing their thoughts and opinions with people, especially adults. The best part of this workshop was that these children were very interactive and open about their peer pressure. They expressed keenness on achieving their goals and focusing on managing their time. I personally believe that as parents, we have to be enablers and not intruders for our children. It is better to share our thoughts with them, ask their opinion and have a conversation with them rather than telling them what to do”, mentions Ms. Ramakrishnan

“We are extremely happy that this workshop was conducted; it was the need of the hour. Ms. Ramakrishnan was warm, interactive and engaging throughout the workshop. The session added tremendous value to the relationship that I share with my child. I learned new parenting techniques such as preparing my child for teenage years and shaping her attitude to deal with peer pressure. We are keen to be a part of similar such workshops in the future- they’re real eye openers”, says the parent of a Grade 9 student.

Posted by Bharat Jesrani at 11:37

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Labels: Thakur International School

Indian Express : Manage your energy as a parent

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My article on Parenting
As published in Indian Express
Dated: 4th March 2019

 

Manage your energy as a parent and be fully present

Geeta Ramakrishnan

By attending office calls during family time, you are sending the message that they are less important. The best part of childhood is the time you spend together.

The decision to be a parent entails huge responsibilities.

Being a perfect parent is a myth, yet it remains a constant endeavour. To begin with, the decision to be a parent entails huge responsibilities. As prospective parents, you need to give a serious thought to the time, financial, physical and emotional commitment. Yet, sometimes, too much thought, ifs and buts, wondering whether one is capable, if one can afford something, does not work either. The joy of parenthood is something that cannot be explained but needs to be experienced. You can never be prepared enough when your bundle of joy arrives and turns your world upside down. I believe children are a gift from God, as Khalil Gibran penned in these beautiful words:

Your children are not your children

They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself.

They come through you but not from you,

And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

 

As parents and especially with young children, you need to be high energy super-parents. You have to multitask, and be there for them and somehow magically manage your work, find time for yourself, your relationship and your social life. Young children depend on you for their physical needs and emotional support. It is worth investing to get a perfect time management routine in place, with both parents chipping in.

In spite of this juggling, often parents need some help and support. Enrolling grandparentsand friends or outsourcing help is often a win-win formula. It can give you some free time for each other, to gather your sometimes chaotic and fast-paced life. This allows you to be fully available as parents, where you are more fun to be with rather than feeling stressed and angry.

 

When you are with your children, give them your 100 per cent attention. By attending office calls during family time, you are unconsciously sending the message that they are less important to you, while ironically working for your family. The best parts of your childhood are not those expensive gifts your parents gave you, but the time you spent together, the times you laughed and played together. Wouldn’t you want to give the same to your children?

If your life is more organised and disciplined, your children learn by example. Co-create the rules and boundaries together, enrolling the children in the process. Define the consequences of breaking the rules. It need not be severe. Missing weekends out or having to wash the dishes perhaps. And follow through with it. Playing board games or doing a barbeque together are great family bonding exercises.

Your children learn from you. Empower them with good values like mutual respect and empathy. Teach them through example by living it yourself. Engage them in social discussions and increasing their awareness. Allow them to make their mistakes and learn from it, nurturing them into mature young adults ready to transform a better tomorrow, a better world.

(The writer is author of The Game of Change.)

The Game of Change : Amazon#1 Best Seller

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Press release- issue wire.com

Amazon#1 best seller book in Oct 2018 : The Game of Change

https://www.issuewire.com/the-game-of-change-hits-1-on-the-amazoncom-best-sellers-list-1613948715937751

The Game Of Change hits #1 on the Amazon.Com Best Sellers List

Book by Geeta Ramakrishnan becomes one of most popular books in Business Etiquette

  • The Game Of Change by Geeta Ramakrishnan

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Dubai, Oct 14, 2018 (Issuewire.com)  – The Game Of Change, a book by Geeta Ramakrishnan, hits #1 on the Top most popular books based on sales (updated hourly) as seen on the Amazon.com Kindle on 13 September 2018 in Business & Money, Business Etiquette.

The book “The Game of Change: My Zen Steps to Unleash Success, Balance and Happiness” is authored by Geeta Ramakrishnan and published by Passionpreneur Publishing.

” In the game of life change is inevitable, to stress or Zen is your choice. I am honored to take your hand as a woman & a friend to help win The Game Of Change” Says Geeta Ramakrishnan.

The Game Of Change is targeted at women that are handling multiple and complex roles. It ranges from being a daughter, mother, wife, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, entrepreneur, a driver for your children, office goer, manager, home keeper, mentor, caregiver, philanthropist and most often we play several of these roles simultaneously.

About the Author: Geeta Ramakrishnan on a mission to empower 10,000 women to win the game of change by providing the tools to lead a stress-free and meaningful life, in joy and peace. you can find out more on https://coachingwithgeeta.com/

About Passionpreneur Publishing: is an independent publisher helping entrepreneurs and passionate experts publish award-winning & bestseller books. Passionpreneur Publishing specializes in transformational books including self-help, personal growth, and business books to help its client spread their message to the world, gain credibility, attract new clients and build a personal brand. Passionpreneur Publishing has offices in Melbourne, Dubai, and India. you can find out more  on https://passionpreneurpublishing.com

Have we become a slave of our Emotions?

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Every morning we get up thinking of that stressful meeting or the hundred things that needs to be done in the morning. We even get up saying our first hello to the mobile phones, checking the facebook and whatsapp messages. We are unconsciously strengthening our brain connection with the past thoughts and emotions, most of which are negative. It helps in reaffirming the brains learning from the past and be in that emotion from the past.
Emotions causes inner changes in our body, releasing hormones and our body reacts as if under a real threat. Our heart rate goes up, blood rushes to our legs in preparation for running, and our creative part of the brain shuts down at that time. This influences the choices we make in dealing with that situation and the words we use which most often is defensive rather than proactive. We practice this pattern day after day, making it our default mode.
What can we do to change? Can we change the people around us? Can we change our boss, our school, our society?  By changing how we perceive the events, focusing on gratitude even if it is an insy pinsie one, we are training our brains to rewire, to think and feel differently.
So what if your friend is always late and it irritates you? By you getting annoyed and angry, like in the past, you are only causing damage to your physical and mental health. Maybe you are thinking he is so arrogant and does not care to apologize…
Taking a step back, a deep breath allows you to think differently and opens up different possibilities. He has stood by you when you needed him. What if he has time management issues but is too proud to discuss? Have you had a conversation and told him how upset you get about his tardiness?  Once your defense mechanism is down, your creative instincts comes to your rescue. Your mood changes from stress to excitement in opportunities. This in-turn releases helpful hormones relaxing your body and mind, enabling you to change from stress to Zen.