Parenting - A tough job

 Parenting has always come with a plethora of challenges but in the 21st century it became all the more challenging and there are plenty of reasons for the same but the most important one that I can think of is the sheer quality and quantity of exposure available to this generation nowadays. 


 I have 2 daughters and like most siblings they are like chalk and cheese.


 Some of my biggest lessons that I have leart are from being a parent. Let's face it, parenting can be equally rewarding and frustrating at the same time.

Before I get into the challenges of parenting, let's look at parenting styles.


Well, I am definately demanding and supportive at the same time, that makes me authoritative; don't know whether it's good or bad, but that's what it is for now.

A few challenges that I can think of are; 

1)  Lying and lying frequently
2)  Too much screen time
3)  Repeated Tantrums 
4) Talking back
5) Listening ... What is that ??
6) Aggressive / Bullying / Violent
7) Poor eating habits 
8) Sleeping time ; sleeping late into the night and ofcourse waking up towards the noon or later.



What makes it worse is;
1) Being a single parent.
2) Having one child with emotional, behavioural or medical concerns. 
3) Having a child with a temperamental concern 
4) No or low social support
5) Financial concerns 


Ever felt this way because honestly I do sometimes 

Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn't know you had... and dealing with fears you didn't know existed." - Linda Wooten 

I don't think I am the right person to give you solutions because first of all there is no one solution which is tailor made for all and secondly because I struggle with the same periodically.

But I can try and give a few general tips to make it easier:




1) Most important, please tell yourself that this is not a measure of your competence, worth, capability or merit 
2) Feeling overwhelmed does not mean that you are an inferior parent.
3) Child not doing well in studies also does not and should not reflect on your capabilities as a parent because I believe every parent wishes, provides for and does the best for their child 
4) Identify if any your feelings of inadequacy, guilt or any other negative feeling and fix it.

I remember I was working in shifts in a call centre when my elder one was born and felt very guilty at not being able to giver her time for 5 days in a week as my shift timings were from 1 - 10 pm. Until I spoke to her play school teacher who told me to be proud of myself as I was not wasting time in kitty etc. This was productive work and that conversation helped me to fix my feelings of guilt.
5) Lastly your well being is equally if not more important for the child. It's really important that you don't feel fed up, overwhelmed or burnt out.

Last but not the least :



And on a lighter note ; 



The funny thing about kids is that they are the reason we lose it and the reason we hold it all together.


Hope it makes sense. 

Until next time, Ciao 









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