Being a parent and
being a responsible parent are two different things. Anyone who has a
biological child, or has an adopted child is a parent. But bringing up your
child is no child’s play. My clients often come with the issues about
parenting. They blame their children for not being responsible. When they
grumble about the so called bad habits of their children; I often end up asking
about their own habits.
Everyone wants to
change the others but is not comfortable with the thought of changing oneself.
Down is the list of a few dos and don’ts for the parents. Please feel free to
alter the list as per your own preference:
Dos:
·
Do
teach your child to appreciate the beauty of the nature. This small lesson
teaches them many things—to appreciate everything around, to be happy in all
circumstances and to give without asking; just to name a few.
·
Teach
them discipline at an early age. Do not wait till they become ten years of age.
Earlier the better.
·
Understand
that love and discipline are two different things. Please keep love and
discipline in two separate compartments of your heart.
·
Teach
them to be a responsible person. Let them keep their things at the designated
place.
·
Teach
them respect—self as well as for others.
·
Teach
them equality.
·
Give
them freedom to be themselves.
·
Give
them some “Me-time.” Privacy is a very important factor in one’s life. If you
will respect their privacy, they will respect yours.
·
Teach
them the advantages of living a principled life.
·
Teach
them the values like honesty, sincerity, truthfulness, punctuality, and love
and respect for all.
·
Teach
them the value of time.
·
Teach
them it is good to be themselves.
·
Give
them a warm environment to grow; nurture their talents.
·
Show
genuine interest in their activities.
·
Use
a proper voice tone even when you do not agree with them.
·
If
they did something wrong (as per your own awareness, knowledge, or beliefs),
try to understand your child’s stand. Every human being is different, and so
are every one’s thoughts, beliefs, priorities, and understanding at any
particular moment.
Don’ts:
·
Please,
please do not compare your child with someone else’s child. We are all
individuals and not identicals!
·
Refrain
yourself from repeating the same old, boring sentence—“while I was your age…”
OMG! Hell with every such thought. Your circumstances and your kid’s
circumstances are very different. It’s good to tell them about your time, how
you were raised, what difficulties you went through, what were your talents,
and quite a few other nuances from your life. It is a great idea to share your
experiences with your kids; but please do not compare your childhood days with
your child’s inability to do something that you did with utmost ease.
·
Don’t
reprimand your kids. Just show your disagreement in a subtle way, or tell them
in a way that they don’t feel insulted. Raising your voice or scolding your
kids is no option at all.
·
Do
not force culture, religion, your own thoughts, beliefs etc. Give your children
the liberty to choose. You guide them but not force them.
·
Do
not spoil your kids in a materialistic manner. Parents often think that if they
won’t provide all what the child is asking for, the child will think that the
parents don’t love him or her. Let the child understand that love is not equivalent
to providing only material things. It surpasses all fluff.
·
Do
not overload your child with your own aspirations, unfulfilled desires etc.
·
Don’t
expect too much from your child beyond his or her capacity.
The list is too
big. I’ll keep adding many more things to this list.