By Smita Joshi (Parenting coach, Psychologist)
Ever imagined going to a surgeon, who told you, ” I don’t have training in this kind of surgery, but I really love my patients!,” I bet you would panic and run for your life! We don’t let people drive without license or even get a haircut without checking the barber’s skill set. Ironically though when it comes to parenting (the most important job on earth), we think only love or intuition is enough!
The truth is, never ever in the history of humankind the stakes have been so high, when learning the science and philosophy of parenting has become, something of a paramount importance. Especially with all the unique challenges that the 21st century offers to us, we need to upgrade our parenting game, and put our best foot forward.
Children need to feel safe, heard and valued in any relation, especially inside their home. It’s the parent’s job to create such a nurturing and safe environment, where children can thrive and grow!
With nuclear families on the rise, and both parents working full time, more and more children are being raised by either a nanny, daycare or worse, by YouTube or internet. If we as parents, aren’t plugged into our children’s lives, and not stepping up to be the leaders in their life, then they are going to find them in their peers or even online. All children are programmed to follow someone, and that someone could be an equally immature peer, or some influencer from downright negative and toxic social media. The right leader(parent) leads by example, listens carefully and understands the needs of his/her children. He loves and pampers but doesn’t hesitate to put healthy boundaries when needed. Disciplining children can be done in a kind, respectful and firm manner. Give your child a lot of space to grow and have fun together as a family. Don’t compare your children with their siblings or peers, remember every child is unique!
Quality as well as quantity time matters, make room in your busy schedule for each child, to connect one on one! And yes, there’s nothing like too much love, do give lots of love and attention to them and at the same time don’t hesitate to say ‘ NO’ or make corrections when needed. Healthy parenting is the right balance between being friendly and caring as well as firm and authoritative at the same time, so as to raise a child, who is independent and responsible as well as kind and compassionate!
By Smita Joshi (Parenting coach, Psychologist)
Comments are closed