The story of Zaara Tugs at Family Ties Strings

In every child, there is a story, a story never told or heard. New research has found that three out of four parents have a best loved child. Even if they do not, mere perception of bias can affect a child's emotional well-being.

Such a challenge in today's nuclear families is perfectly encapsulated in a first-person narrative of 10-year-old Zaara in the short video named This is the story of Zaara.

Once she has a sibling, a first-born could feel ignored and develop an insecurity that makes her quiet, indifferent and irritable. If not addressed properly, it grows with her to adulthood affecting her entire personality.

 

This is the story of Zaara starts with Zaara speaking into the camera about her father being a businessman, toiling to keep the family well off. She understands the effort he puts into his work and acknowledges the need for him to stay away from her during business trips. "I bid him bye, but then cry a lot," says an evidently loving daughter. Zaara remembers the times when she used to make special cards on Father's birthday and other special days. She recollects how he has kept all those cards till date. She reminisces the times when Father used to help her with her Math problems from school and quotes him on the importance of good education and manners.

Zaara then diverts to her feelings about how she felt ignored once she had a younger sibling and longed for her father's attention. Father seemed to spend less time with her compared to her younger sister.

She harkens back to the gloom felt and how Mother used to console her and make her realise how Father's love for her never fades. The video ends on a positive note where Zaara promises to surprise her parents with the fruits of her achievements in the future. The genuineness of a 10-year-old girl's love and appreciation for her parents make This is the story of Zaara a heartwarming experience that stays with you even after the short duration of the video.

Understanding children's emotions and behaviour is an area where major strides are yet to be made. This is the story of Zaara points to taking one of the first steps towards that - listening to the children. Confronted with an unpleasant feeling, a child is often overwhelmed with emotions she cannot control or convey in proper terms.

Finding time to spend with children away from the hectically busy work schedule, away from distractions of television and internet makes parenthood fruitful. Its results shine brightly on the emotional well-being of children also. Schools, too, have a major role to play in the development of family unity and happiness since much of what happens at home spills onto educational institutions where the children spend almost half their time.

The video is a result of a social welfare initiative by Bridgeway Motors, dealers of Mercedes-Benz.