As more and more channels mushroom little children are making a dash towards them in a bid to get noticed. Be it reality shows, serials or quiz shows kids are coming out of the woodwork on TV. Some look happy, some expressionless whereas some look dejected. But all of them look stressed.

TV viewers must have very often seen a child sob when he is eliminated from a reality show or even when he has underscored. Little contestants are so groomed for their performances that they can out-match an adult. Do parents realise the harm they are doing to a tender mind? Tellychakkar gets into the fray to discuss this sensitive issue.

While such opportunities serve as gold for budding talent, it is the children who pay a heavy price. The physical stress notwithstanding, it's the mental stress that threatens to disrupt the psyche of a child. Last week, a little boy (Aamir Hafiz) was left deeply embarrassed after his family created a ruckus on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs unable to digest their child's elimination. A day later, the mother stated that her son is shell shocked with the result and still hasn't stopped crying. She even threatened to take action against the channel if anything happened to her son.

In the ensuing blame game, one lost track of an important question. Did little Aamir Hafiz deserve to go through such ordeal? Similarly, another L'il Champ contestant Smitha Nandi was left crestfallen after her father suffered a heart attack after his daughter was eliminated. While Aamir and Smitha aren't the first to experience the lows of such reality shows, child actors too go through mental trauma. Take the case of Baby Khushi Dubey of Naagiin fame, who allegedly was threatened by JD.Majethia for non-compliance of her contract. And the case of so many young children who contest in keenly fought reality shows or perform in serials where they undergo so many pressures and undue stress that it can scar their tender minds for life.

Very often the kids are required to shoot up to the wee hours of the morning. It's only inevitable that they fall sick. And not to forget that they have to sacrifice childhood's biggest joy, playtime.

Are parents justified in expecting too much from their children? In the lure of the green bucks, are parents ignoring the warning signs?

Noted psychoanalyst Dr.Laura Vaz says, "One of the drawbacks for being a child artist is that often they are in the company of adults and thus they get exposed to adult talk. Besides, constantly staying away from school deprives them of the emotional stimuli. Also other kids look at them as stars and thus they tend to get isolated."

Throwing light on the greed for money Dr.Vaz says, "Money does lure parents into over exposing the child. There is certain amount of thoughtlessness involved here. Parents think that they are doing well for the child but they are actually living off their child's glory. Acting in films or serials is fine but I totally disapprove of these numerous reality shows where children are made to look like beggars."

Child prodigy actor Swini Khara's father Nimesh disagrees with Dr.Vaz. "We haven't exceeded in our expectations. If your child is talented and he/she gets the opportunity, as parents you're satisfied with just that. Besides, we take utmost care of all her needs. Swini's studies are never affected. She's always been a topper in her class. She devotes just four hours a day and maximum 12 days in a month for shooting," he informs.

Nimesh adds, "By charging a higher fee, we ensure that Swini only does limited work. Lowering the fee would only mean that most producers will line up for her. We strike a perfect balance between her personal and professional life."

Defending the TV industry or the reality shows Sonu Niigaam says, "It's unfair to raise a finger at the industry. After all, they now provide opportunities to people from all sections of society. We never had such a luxury. As regards to the set back, that's where the parentage comes into place. If you're brought up in mature environment then, you shouldn't be affected by such losses. More so having a measured head on your shoulders at an early age will enable these children to succeed in totality."

Appreciate your children as they are. Don't waste time trying to create the perfect child you wish you had.