Parenting is an art of shaping lives with love, discipline, and empathy. Learn how to raise confident, kind, and emotionally strong children
Prannab PANI
Parenting in Focus
The nation recently erupted into social media frenzy over an 11-year-old boy’s questionable behaviour on national TV. The child’s parents were instantly subjected to public criticism, and the debate turned to parenting.
It’s easy to preach, criticise, and advise children about the dos and don’ts. They may or may not listen. What truly influences them — and shapes their subconscious — is how parents behave, both in public and at home. Parents are indeed our first teachers. They are constantly being watched and imitated. While they may not control their child’s fate, they are unquestionably responsible for their upbringing, which forms the foundation of their character and future.
Parenting: A Demanding Commitment
Parenting is not easy. It demands immense patience, discipline, and emotional energy. Like marriage, it requires consistent effort and understanding to remain healthy and fulfilling. Parents are the first and most influential teachers, and the family is the first school where every lesson of life begins.
Parenting involves nurturing a child’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development, boosting self-esteem, and teaching good behaviour. Science and psychology both confirm that the first five years are the most formative. During these years, children absorb everything they see and experience. Hence, parents must consciously create a positive environment that builds a strong and intelligent foundation.
Unfortunately, in this digital age, many young parents are seen thrusting mobile phones into their babies’ hands to keep them occupied. This is not only harmful to their eyesight but also restricts brain development and cognitive learning. No wonder so many children now wear spectacles early in life and show declining attention spans.
Instilling Life Skills and Values
While schools teach professional and academic skills, life skills and value systems must come from home. These skills empower children to face challenges, handle failure, and stay mentally strong. When taught values and discipline, children grow into well-mannered, responsible individuals who know their boundaries and respect them.
Parents, remember— you are the Creator, the Nurturer, and can even become the Destroyer if neglect or indifference takes over. A child deprived of attention, values, and life skills may grow into an irresponsible and emotionally unstable adult. While you cannot determine their destiny, you can certainly shape their direction and moral compass.
Setting Boundaries and Communicating with Care
Every home should have “non-negotiable” ground rules defining behaviour and respect. However, these boundaries should be explained with empathy, so that children understand why they exist. Rules without reasoning often feel like restrictions. Consistency, open communication, and emotional support strengthen parent-child bonds and foster trust.
In our own home, we follow four simple principles with our son:
a. Freedom with Responsibility – Do anything you wish, but never something that makes you hide or lie.
b. Self-Regulation – Know your boundaries and respect them.
c. Strive for Excellence – Always give your best and learn from failures. It’s okay not to be okay sometimes. But try sincerely, acting smartly to be the best in whatever you do.
d. Be a Good Human Being – Above all, kindness and humility define true success.
The Dangers of Unrealistic Expectations
Many parents, driven by ambition, impose undue pressure on their children — be it in academics or public performances. Such pressure often leads to frustration, despair, and in tragic cases, mental breakdowns. It is vital to remember: It is okay not to be okay. Parents must normalize failure and teach resilience.
Encouraging Curiosity and Independent Growth
Let’s recall our own childhood — the endless questions, the curiosity, the urge to explore. Being inquisitive is essential for growth. Sadly, as adults, we often suppress curiosity under the weight of ego and routine. When we stop asking, we stop growing. Encourage your children to question, to imagine — even if they paint the sky green. That’s how creativity thrives.
Let children learn through experience, mistakes, and struggle. Don’t police or pamper them excessively. Guide them with empathy, not fear. Empower them to build self-confidence and navigate life independently.
Avoid Comparisons and Celebrate Individuality
Children of celebrities or highly accomplished parents often carry an invisible burden of expectations. Constant comparison with their parents’ success can drive them into insecurity and depression. Each child deserves recognition for their own journey. Encourage effort, not perfection.
Values: The Cornerstone of Character
Value systems are disappearing fast in today’s world. Fear of consequence once kept us disciplined. While modern parenting emphasizes freedom, we must not dismiss traditional wisdom as outdated. Some timeless principles — respect, honesty, compassion, discipline — will always remain the foundation of good human character.
Conclusion: The Eternal Role of Parents
Parenting is both a privilege and a sacred responsibility. It’s about guiding, not controlling; nurturing, not pampering; teaching, not preaching. Children mirror what they see. As parents, we shape not just individuals but future citizens and leaders.
Let’s be mindful that our words, actions, and values today are the seeds of tomorrow’s society.
Parenting is not about perfection — it’s about presence, patience, and purpose.
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(The author is a Corporate Strategist, Entrepreneur, and Startup Mentor. Views expressed are personal.)
Very nice points captured , Pranab Bhai. Your writing spreads wisdom — please keep it going.
Wonderful article highlighting vital aspects of parenting.