Kids, they are God’s greatest gift to families.
Born without sin and innocent as they are, it is not easy raising them. Parenting is sweet madness, and bringing forth a new lease of life also ushers a whole new way of viewing things.

I have learnt some parenting lessons from my parents. The one question that runs foremost in the minds of most parents or aspiring parents seems to be: How do you bring your children up to be confident, motivated and successful?

Growing up, my siblings and I have always been showered with love by our
responsible parents. They provide reasonably well for us and gave us a well-rounded education. Whenever we can, we have family activities to reinforce our bonds.

Learning and growing together

My parents are very open about who they are and have always shown us the values of honesty, virtue and hard work. They always encourage us to seek opportunities in expanding knowledge, such as going to the library or signing up for classes that interest us.

Another great thing about my parents is that they never talk down to us but level with my siblings and I. It is always a two-way conversation between parent and child. That is really important to me as they allow me the time and space to air my views. Their patience makes me feel important, wanted and valued.

My parents are also constantly educating themselves by attending talks and seminars. They return enthusiastic and bring back refreshing ideas. But hey, my parents aren’t perfect! At least, they make an effort and give their best.

We have our ups and downs but at the end of the day, we’re still a family and we love each other nonethe- less.

Ultimately, children want to be loved, guided, understood, given the support and to be recognized for their efforts throughout their lives; no matter how
old they get. Even teens!

As we grow up, it’s not only us kids that mature, but parents do too. My parents always say we make them grow up.

Role of parents

Parents need to set good examples as children will always turn to them when searching for role models to look up to.

This also applies to how parents act in front of their kids and what they do with their lives as children often emulate their behaviour. So if parents smile, the children will smile too. ‘Reach for the stars!’ But why doesn’t mum/dad do the same or even show me how? For me, my parents do not just tell us but do their best to show or find a way to show us how.

Of course showering your kids with love is a good thing. However, it is not the same as ‘showering yourkids with wealth’, for that will only lead to a spoilt child. Equating love with wealth cannot bring true happiness, as the child would be expecting more and more, believing that love is shown through the purchase of toys and other material possessions.

Discipline and independence are some other key factors in parenting. Setting boundaries by differentiating what is right and wrong will teach a child
to discern what is acceptable behaviour.

Spoon-feeding is not the best way to solve problems. Instead, imparting survival skills on how to care for one self will better equip a child to deal with
the world later on.

Parents should promote good habits too. For example, regular exercise, healthy eating and good manners can lead to a healthy mind and body. Get
involved by finding out what is going on at school and allow children to participate in activities that interest them.

Children are always inquisitive so expand their horizons by taking them to museums, libraries or even the zoo! After all, a happy child means a happy
home!

Outside the familial comfort zone, there are many other factors that influence a child’s character. Whether it’s a case of bullying or problems socializing
with friends, kids need not ‘fight the battle alone’ as long as parents are always there to show them the way to resolve their challenges, conflicts and bad situations.

Life is a learning journey. With love, kindness and understanding from parents, children will find themselves in an environment that will nurture them to reach their highest potential. As such, I am indeed lucky to have such great parents.

Sailesh Das, 13 years old