Parenting

Why is parenting considered so difficult in the modern times? I read a variety of blogs from people who are far more knowledgeable than me on this subject but as a part of process of evolution this should come by natural instinct. Those who have toddlers need support of the seniors at home as they are new to the game and cannot make out at times the reason for incessant crying of the baby is because of a stomach pain or having wet the diaper! Of course everyone keeps learning every day and there are no standard procedures that can be followed. The situations and circumstances are unique in every home hence there could be no thumb rules. Some homes have only a single child who gets all the attention and in other homes there are several kids seeking attention.. ‘One size does not fit all!’

Styles of parenting differ in different parts of the world. When a baby is learning to walk in Indian homes, most of the parents love to hold hands to teach the young one but one fall sends the whole household scampering to quieten the child who breaks out to as if he or she is running for the title of ‘Prince/ Princess of Wails’ ! In Mid East and especially in Israel the parents stand on the other side of the room and call the child to walk in their direction. Even if the child falls there are no tantrums and is encouraged to try again! The cultural differences are ingrained in the psyche from such a tender age. Once the school going begins, parents show extreme concern in dropping the child to the school gate, jumping red lights en route! In later years the children emulate their parents when they start driving and if they have not knocked down anyone till they have gone past the teenage years, become reckless drivers for rest of the lives.

Humans are the only species that want to hand hold their children forever regardless of whatever age they reach! It is not difficult to find overgrown ‘Guddi’, ‘Baby’,’Munna’ and ‘Chicko’! The names given with much affection at tender age become embarrassing sometimes for the individuals at a later day when they are addressed by these nicknames! The birds, animals and all natural species other than humans take care of their children till they learn to catch their own prey and hunt their own food! Once they can stand on their own feet none of these birds or animals tag with their children!

It is certainly important to learn from experience of others but more important is to nurture the children with love and care in formative years! Encouragement is necessary for pursuing hobbies that appeal to child. Each one has different interests and hence emulation of other children rarely serves a useful purpose. It is important to learn for the parents to ‘let go’ their children once they attain an age to make rational decisions themselves.

Some lovely quotes on parenting:

Always kiss your children goodnight, even if they're already asleep - H. Jackson Brown, Jr. 

“We may not be able to prepare the future for our children, but we can at least prepare our children for the future.” ― Franklin D. Roosevelt

 “The best way to keep children at home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant, and let the air out of the tires.” ― Dorothy Parker

PS- Images Kind Courtesy Google