Parenting – Part 3

Raising Resilient Kids: Parenting in a Changing World

Parenting – Part 3 – In this episode, Ms. Swati Salunkhe highlights another area of concern in parenting, i.e. Managing Tantrums, Misbehavior, and learning among kids irrespective of their ages, as of now, talking about younger kids where they are starting their school or academic life, maybe playgroup, pre-primary, nursery, senior Kg or First standard onward.

Parents say that I discipline them, but he just does not listen, or he becomes adamant on certain things as he requires certain ABCs or XYZ, we are talking about tantrums or misbehavior. As adults have a fixation on certain things like food, clothing, etc., so do our kids.

They get fixated on certain toys, dresses, or something to eat. Again there is a thin line parents need to be observant about. We, giving our wholehearted everything to the child, can just be the beginning of all these things.

As parents, grandparents, or other family members, we provide our children with anything and everything they feel could be right from a separate bed, pillow, water bottle, plates and it goes on and on. Certain things are quietly acceptable, but not always.

As this could be just a seed for the child not behaving properly, socially, and creating tantrums, if he/she does not get things he/she wants. Children will definitely cry, and they will definitely show their anger, or that they are upset by the crying, by howling. Have heard of children banging their heads, well those are extreme cases. You may not feel very good about it, that he gets what he wants. Frankly, these are the concerns you need to get into.

If the child is too adamant on a certain aspect regularly, then it’s time to recheck what you are doing with the child, are you feeding the child with it or restraining it? Once it’s clear the child is very adamant about it, start pulling up the strings then and there. If somebody has made a note of it, do not ever give excuses.

Most of the time we hear parents saying ‘You know otherwise he doesn’t do it, it’s only today and I don’t know really why?’ You have very well covered the child yourself. If it’s wrong and something going above the limit, put an end to it, very nicely.

Not asking you to behave abruptly, but very nicely you can make your child understand. Throwing tantrums for toys or dress is very natural because that’s the way a child knows to react, do not fall for it. Make your child understand, speak to the child, and the child will definitely understand, but if you say ‘He just doesn’t listen,

he takes whatever he wants, he knows his ways’; you have actually given all the keys in your child’s hand. See that you are very vigilant on those grounds. With that comes learning too.

I have seen parents at an early age giving all sorts of educational toys, storybooks, and coloring books, all acceptable, nothing wrong with that. Because more the child picks up on this language the more fantastic it will be for the child in the later years.

The problem comes when a four year, five years, six or seven years old is put into various firms in the sense of music, dancing, swimming, arts, martial arts, something to do with science, not all to be borne at one point. You need to restrict it. If the child enjoys why not? but a child cannot have such a timetable life at an early age. it could be very paradoxical that this is the age the child absorbs a lot of things, but that does not mean you need to burden the child with so many activities.

A proper sleep, proper social time, with a little bit of entertainment time, and also something and nothing to do. Make the child a habit of it, do not put the child into too many learning things.

Learning doesn’t mean only ABC or learning a language; it’s seen parents running to lots of things at certain ages that are not required. May your child is really scared of water, talking in front of people, or maybe not comfortable coloring. Take cues from what your child is telling you.

The child may not be verbally expressed, but the child shows the discomfort. Try to work over it, giving your own comfort zone between the family members and then taking up to the next level. Remember learning, misbehaving, and controlling tantrums are going to be throughout.

The earlier observed, the earlier worked upon it, is always better for the child’s holistic development. Most of the common concerns of young parents or for the parents who are first-time parents are covered here. Concerns will change and grow with the growing child, will talk about it in some other episode.

Frequently Asked Questions (Faqs) Related to Parenting:

1. What is parenting?

Parenting is the process of raising and nurturing children from infancy to adulthood. It involves providing love, care, guidance, and support to help children grow and develop.

2. What are the key responsibilities of parents?

Parents are responsible for meeting their children’s basic needs, such as food, shelter, and safety, as well as providing emotional support, education, and discipline, and helping them develop essential life skills.

3. How can I establish a strong bond with my child?

Building a strong parent-child bond involves spending quality time together, actively listening, showing affection, and providing a secure and loving environment.

4. What is positive discipline, and how can I implement it?

Positive discipline involves setting clear expectations, using effective communication, and using consequences that teach rather than punish. It promotes learning and understanding rather than fear.

5. How can I manage my child’s screen time and technology use?

Managing screen time involves setting limits, monitoring content, and promoting a healthy balance between screen activities and physical activities or face-to-face interactions.

6. What strategies can I use to encourage healthy eating habits in my child?

Encouraging healthy eating involves offering a variety of nutritious foods, modeling good eating habits, involving children in meal preparation, and creating a positive mealtime environment.

7. How can I support my child’s education and academic success?

Supporting education includes creating a conducive learning environment at home, helping with homework, communicating with teachers, and encouraging a love for learning.

8. How do I handle challenging behavior in my child?

Addressing challenging behavior requires understanding the underlying causes, setting consistent boundaries, using positive reinforcement, and seeking professional help when needed.

9. What is the importance of self-care for parents?

Self-care is essential for parents to recharge, reduce stress, and maintain physical and emotional well-being. It enables parents to be more effective caregivers.

10. How can I strike a balance between work and family life?

Balancing work and family life involves setting priorities, managing time effectively, and seeking support from family, friends, or childcare services.

11. What are age-appropriate activities for my child’s development?

Age-appropriate activities vary by age and can include play, reading, arts and crafts, sports, and educational games that stimulate cognitive, physical, and social development.

12. How can I communicate with my child effectively?

Effective communication with children involves active listening, using age-appropriate language, being patient, and encouraging open and honest dialogue.

13. How do I handle conflicts between siblings?

Managing sibling conflicts includes teaching conflict resolution skills, setting fair rules, and modeling positive behavior.

14. What resources are available for parents seeking additional support or guidance?

Resources include parenting books, online forums, local parenting groups, and professional counseling services.

15. How can I foster independence and responsibility in my child?

Encouraging independence involves giving children age-appropriate responsibilities, allowing them to make choices, and teaching them life skills.

These FAQs provide valuable information for parents, offering guidance and insights into various aspects of parenting and child development.