What does it mean to raise a happy, healthy and intelligent child? It means to nurture the child with lots of care, guidance and love.

How many parents have taught their children to feel good about themselves? It will certainly come in handy, considering how the media go to great lengths in brainwashing children with images of slim celebrities with perfect visage.

The role of parents

It is often said that parents set the foundation for their children and that is undeniably true. They are, after all, the most influential and important people in their child’s life. As such, parents should set a good example for their child from young.

The fourth and fifth years in a child’s life are the most fundamental, as that is when they start forming habits. By the age of 11, most pre-teens would be well exposed to a variety of messages from the media and if parents have not properly prepared their child on the dangers of the media and its influence, the child may be unable to differentiate between what is right or wrong. This poses further problems when he or she becomes a teenager when there is peer pressure to contend with.

I do not believe in parents pressurizing children. By setting parameters and being a good example for their child, the child will look up to the parents more, especially if the parents respect the child’s opinions. My parents let me forge my own trail, doing what they can as their show of support. Now, we reap the fruits that we have sown together.

What parents can do

If parents put their heart and soul into guiding their child, the child will grow to be a strong and intelligent person with principles, not easily swayed by the
superficial. It may be difficult in the beginning but with effort, it is a rewarding achievement.

When you show interest in your child, the child will be buoyed into thinking deeply about his life. Teach your child to identify his strengths and find real beauty in character. Look for opportunities to build these qualities.

Most importantly, create a thirst for knowledge. Books are the gateway to an expansive vocabulary and having better language skills enable overall knowledge of past and current affairs. The child will be well equipped to lead himself and his parents to better circumstances in future.

All parents want their children to be independent and self-discipline comes along with that mindset. Teach your child to set and follow timetables or
schedules. Making to-do lists also helps in reducing “mental clutter”.

It is not wrong to spoil your children from time to time. All children should have their little indulgences fulfilled occasionally to be happy, as long as they are within limits. But parents have to lead by example when setting these limits!

My parents are the sort who explains everything there is to know about life and the important aspects of discipline, manners and the proper way of conduct. More essentially, they assure me of my strengths so I know I may not be slim with high cheekbones, but I am proud to say I feel good about myself because I know that true beauty lies in character.

Love and nurture your children. They are God’s gifts to you.

K. Gowri, 13 years old