By Mohmad Iqbal Khandy

A few days ago in Srinagar, I watched a short video on Facebook while talking with colleagues. It showed a teacher explaining how we wake our children in the morning. He said many of us begin their day with pressure. His message felt true the moment I heard it.

When we connect waking up with something pleasant, children step into the day with ease instead of stress.

Childhood carries learning, surprise, fear, courage and a constant search for new experiences. Science backs this.

Between one and twelve years, the brain grows at its fastest pace. UNICEF says more than 80 percent of brain development happens before age five.

Every word, tone and action shapes a child's emotional world. Even small stress in early years affects attention and confidence.

Kashmiri teachers see this in classrooms every day.

Mornings matter the most. A child wakes with an active subconscious mind that receives every signal clearly. A calm voice helps release happy hormones like dopamine and serotonin. A tense voice triggers adrenaline. Both shape the child's mood for the entire day.

Many of us use the same warnings at dawn:“Wake up or you will miss the bus,”“Get up or your exam will go wrong,”“Hurry, everyone else is already ahead.”

These lines sound normal in our homes, though they carry fear. Children still wake up, eat and go to school. Their day often feels heavy. I see this in my students in Anantnag.

Some reach school tired and unmotivated before the first class begins. This affects their learning, focus and emotional strength.

I decided to try something new with my own two children. I started waking them gently:“Wake up, I made your favourite tea,” or“Your friends will be happy to see you today,” or“Look outside, the sunrise is beautiful.”

These words lifted their mood. They woke up faster, with curiosity instead of worry.

I also carry this approach into my classroom in Vailoo.

Many students walk long distances to reach school. A warm greeting changes their day. Children who feel valued engage better, learn faster and make stronger friendships.

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