ഇനി എത്ര ദൂരം

 Parenting: love and acceptance

One of the most fulfilling and difficult jobs a person can have is that of a parent. Although it starts out with a lot of enthusiasm, the trip is full of patience, learning, and adaptation. While there isn't a one parenting style that works for everyone, the key to effective parenting is striking a balance between discipline and affection.

                  Parenting is fundamentally about helping kids grow up to be responsible, self-assured, and emotionally stable adults. This entails fostering their social and emotional growth in addition to meeting their basic requirements, such as food, shelter, and safety. Since children pick up beliefs, behaviours, and communication styles from their carers, the early years are especially important.One of the most important foundations of good parenting is unconditional love. Children need to feel accepted and valued, even when they make mistakes. A secure emotional connection gives them the confidence to explore the world and learn from their experiences. Simple acts like active listening, hugging, encouraging words, and spending quality time together help build this bond.

              But unrestrained affection can result in issues. This is when discipline—not punishment, but direction—comes into play. For children to comprehend what is and is not appropriate, boundaries must be clearly defined. Age-appropriate expectations, fair penalties, and consistent rules instill self-control and responsibility. For instance, it may be more useful to gently explain the value of studying and assist a child in creating a routine rather than shouting at them for not completing their homework.In both discipline and nurture, communication is essential. Children can freely express their views and feelings when there is an atmosphere of respect and open communication. Whether it's worry, confusion, or peer pressure, it also helps parents comprehend what their kids are going through. Parent-child relationships are strengthened when parents listen to their children without passing judgement.

                  The way parents raise their children has a significant impact on how they behave, think, and feel. Children may develop serious behavioural problems as a result of inconsistent, excessively strict, excessively permissive, or inattentive parenting.Children raised by authoritarian parents, for instance, who place a strong emphasis on rules and punishment without showing them any affection, may become afraid, withdrawn, or excessively hostile. These kids could have low self-esteem and find it hard to build positive relationships. On the other hand, impulsive, demanding, or unruly behaviour may result from lax parenting, which sets few limits and boundaries. Children brought up in this manner frequently struggle with self-control and may find it difficult to follow rules or authority.The most harmful consequences might result from neglectful parenting, which disregards both bodily and emotional needs. Children who experience this frequently feel unwanted, which can result in low academic achievement, social disengagement, melancholy, or even delinquent behaviour. Children cannot acquire critical life skills like empathy, responsibility, and emotional control if they do not receive the right kind of emotional support and supervision. Raising emotionally healthy and well-adjusted children so depends on selecting the appropriate parenting style, which strikes a balance between love and structure.

           Modern parenting also requires adaptability. With changing lifestyles, technology, and social dynamics, parents must stay informed and flexible. Today’s children face challenges that previous generations did not—like screen addiction, social media pressure, and academic stress. It’s important for parents to educate themselves, set healthy digital boundaries, and encourage offline activities like reading, outdoor play, and family time.Furthermore, setting a good example is essential. Youngsters watch how their parents respond to events, interact with others, and manage their emotions. A parent who is composed, courteous, and accountable naturally instills these traits in their child. In addition to being beneficial to the parent's healthLastly, parenting is about being present, not about being flawless. Making mistakes is unavoidable, but what really counts is growing with your child, learning from them, and getting help when necessary.

                FinallyParenting requires a careful balancing act between patience, structure, love, and adaptability. Parents may develop emotionally resilient and ethically grounded people who are prepared to succeed in the world by providing a disciplined and supportive environment.

Jihan. P

Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology

Al Shifa College of Arts and Science, Keezhattur, Perinthalmanna.