Good parenting is the foundation for raising a responsible and independent adult. Puneites speak up on what constitutes a healthy parent-child relationship...
A stable, healthy home environment is essential for kids
Parenting is the greatest responsibility that any couple takes up. It involves responding carefully to every emotional and physical need of your child, in order to ensure overall development. Parenting is the process of transforming a completely dependent baby into an independent, emotionally mature and
responsible adult.
Just as you provide your child with good food, clothes and toys, as a parent it is your duty to fulfill his/her psychological needs too. Love is about security. When parents love children unconditionally, they automatically feel that they are worthy of love. They start believing that they are acceptable and good and that their parents would always protect them in difficult times. It gives them a sense of being loved and taken care of, which is absolutely essential for emotional growth.
A stable and healthy home environment is equally important for the child. Insecurity causes stress and can lead to many psychological, physical and intellectual problems.
Parents also need to realise that discipline is essential for development. Consistency, regularity and firmness are key points.
Anger, hatred and punishment should be done away with. If parents hit a child in anger, the child learns to express that emotion in the same way. So, setting a good example for your child is vital. Do not give your child a gift for good behaviour and avoid punishment for bad behaviour as well. Believe that your child is a good person and explain to him/her what good and bad is. Most day-to-day problems can be dealt with in this way. This also builds a healthy emotional bond between the parent and child.
Moreover, teach your child to express his/her emotions in an acceptable manner. Good communication with your child, being an empathetic listener without being judgmental is another art every parent should learn. In spite of all this if you sense a problem, do not hesitate to take help. Accept yourself as a parent and love your child.
Meenal Sohani, counsellor
Parents should remember they were once young too
Parents are an institution in themselves for children. A child grows up considering them as idols. Thus, they should do everything for children. That does not mean they ought to give into every demand, but they must ensure that they are patient and understanding towards children. Moreover, they must remind themselves that they were young once too.
A parent-child relationship should be interactive such that the child feels free to express his/her thoughts. Problems crop up when parents start dictating terms and pressurising children to do what they believe is right for them. The generation gap also needs to be taken into account. A good parent-child relationship will have the perfect mix of respect, understanding and freedom to express. It’s the best feeling in the world for a child to know that s/he can discuss everything under the sun with his/her parents and be understood by them.
Omkar Sadgaonkar, standard XI
Remember that your child is an individual, not an extension of you
No one can define good parenting. It is all about understanding your child, his/her needs and guiding him/her to be a better person. Fundamentally, good parenting is just plain and simple common sense. Parenting does not stop when a child grows up. Being a good parent is a lifelong role. However, you have to remember that once your children become adults, the decisions they take are ultimately theirs.
Good parenting encourages introspection. You should always remember that your child is not an extension of yourself. S/he is an individual under your care. Thus, it is unfair to try and relive your life through your child.
Parenting can often be a daunting task, but it has been successfully accomplished by parents over centuries. Children today are radically different, but the same rules of parenting apply even now. It is the duty of every parent to support his/her child with a creative and loving environment.
Shweta Rao, senior lecturer, fashion design
A little freedom as children grow up is imperative
Every child should keep in mind that our life is a gift given to us by our parents. Those who share a healthy rapport with children make for the best parents. Parents should accept the negative and positive qualities of their children.
The more children are encouraged, the better they will do in all facets of life. Many parents like to dominate every decision children take, be it relating to the career or personal life. A little freedom as children grow up is essential. This helps children become confident individuals. Children also must reciprocate by showing respect to their parents.
Nikhil Dhasade, polytechnic student
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