Parenting: That Challenging, yet Joyful Journey.
Parenting is not just about bringing a child into the world; it goes far beyond that. It demands enormous commitment, sacrifice, and the ability to successfully navigate social hurdles, ultimately setting an exemplary path for children. The example we set for our children often determines what they will become. The adage, "When a child is young, give them roots; when they are old, give them wings to fly," becomes meaningful when examined within the prism of parental roles in the practical upbringing of a child.
While anyone can become a father, not everyone can be a father because parenting has many challenges that require patience, understanding, and resilience. From balancing work and family life, which can be achieved by setting clear boundaries between work and personal time, to instilling discipline while fostering a loving and supportive environment, parenting in today's modern and technologically developed world can be challenging. For instance, setting specific work hours and dedicating the rest of the time to family can help maintain a healthy work-life balance. It creates a struggle to balance professional responsibilities and quality time with one's children and to nurture and support them adequately without being overbearing. On the other hand, ensuring discipline is not just about punishment but about inculcating profound responsibility and accountability and setting an example for your children to emulate. Building discipline in children does not alienate oneself from the children; you can set clear boundaries and still reinforce positive behaviour through encouragement and constructive criticism, which helps in raising well-rounded individuals.
As much as we applaud our technological development, it is hard not to mention how technology, such as mobile phones and social media, has impacted children negatively and equally put enormous pressure on parenting. Presently, many (inter)personal responsibilities and tasks have been taken over by technology, which has enslaved children to their mobile telephones, laptops and TV screens. This excessive technological enslavement has led to a drastic decline in face-to-face communication skills, reduced physical activity, and even exposure to inappropriate content. Technological advancement has posed heavy challenges to parenting, making it difficult for parents to monitor and guide their children's digital interactions actively. However, parents can encourage outdoor and creative activities by setting aside specific times for these activities, participating in them with their children, and providing the necessary resources and support. For example, planning a weekly family hike or setting up a dedicated art corner at home can be effective ways to promote outdoor and creative activities.
Beyond formal schooling, parents serve as their children's first teachers. Teaching essential life skills such as problem-solving, financial literacy, time management, and effective communication is imperative. Encouraging a love for learning from an early age can inspire children to seek knowledge and strive for success.
Educating children to be responsible adults in the future is not limited to school. Parents are supposed to act as role models for their children. However, this task can only succeed in a secure and loving environment, enabling parents to express their love through words and actions and spend quality time with their children. Quality time with children is about being physically present and engaging in meaningful activities, having open and honest conversations, and showing genuine interest in their lives. Numerous research results have shown that children who grow up in homes filled with love, understanding, and security are more likely to develop confidence and emotional stability.
However, no matter the kind of parental guidance children are exposed to, the actions of their parents speak loudly, as they significantly impact the children's behaviours. Hence, fostering good moral values and ethics is a key task of parenting. Children learn by observing their parents' actions and behaviours. Therefore, parents should lead by example, demonstrating honesty, kindness, respect, and integrity. Open discussions about right and wrong help children develop a strong moral compass, guiding them through life's challenges with wisdom and grace.
Despite the aspirations and goals one might have for a child, it is necessary to support children's aspirations and talents, which are crucial for their personal growth. Every child is unique, with different strengths and abilities. As parents, we should nurture and encourage our children's passions, helping them build self-confidence and resilience. Providing opportunities for skill development and exposure to diverse experiences can help children discover their potential and grow into well-rounded individuals.
That makes parenting a lifelong, thorny, challenging journey, yet filled with joy if one follows the right path to the destination. While there is no universal formula for perfect parenting, love, patience, and dedication remain the key ingredients. Parents can shape their children into responsible and successful individuals by setting a good example, providing guidance, and offering unconditional support. The true reward of parenting lies in witnessing children grow into confident and compassionate human beings, ready to face the world with courage, wisdom and optimism.