In solidarity with their solitary kids

Parents routinely upgrade their parenting skills to deal with their children's various rites of passage, including strange ones. But, sometimes, this trial-and-error method touches an altogether new dimension. In South Korea, many parents are signing up for the rather ironically named 'Happiness Factory'. This features tiny rooms, with just a feeding hole in the door. Yes, hmm-inducing, indeed. Communication devices are prohibited. Their only company is bare white walls for a 'confinement experience'. South Koreans are opting to go through this sanyas to 'understand' their children who have retreated from society. A recent government survey revealed that over 5% of 19-34-yr-olds are isolating themselves in Japanese 'hikikomori' - 'pulling inward, being confined' - style. That's some 5.4 lakh young folks choosing solitude over socialising for reasons ranging from the personal to professional.

While their children's voluntary solitary confinement is befuddling, one also wonders why parents need to go through the same gig. They could try and 'understand' their state of mind, not the reaction to it. But on the bright side, this self-induced 'akela' rite may take the sting out of solitary confinement in prisons anywhere in the world. Especially when someone starts recounting similar experiences with the ominous opening line: 'During Emergency....'