Children are unique individuals with their own needs, rights and experiences
Treat your kids with so much love that if someone mistreats them, they will know immediately. Childhood plays a big role in who we are as an individual. It is the parents who are the child’s first teachers as they are the ones who teach them who they are by empowering them with the space to grow at their own pace. Not only this, it is the parents who need to fill a child’s bucket of self-esteem so high that the rest of the world can’t poke enough holes to drain it dry.
Children of today need real love and not just material tokens that will emotionally backfire them. The generation of unconditionally loving, gentle parents changes the minds of the next generation and with that the future of the world. It is a daily affirmation of love and emphasis that at its core, gentle parenting is not just a set of techniques or strategies but a constant expression of love and compassion.
In the words of LR Knost, it’s not our job as parents to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It’s our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.” In a world full of challenges and unkindness, every action, interaction and decision in gentle parenting reaffirms the deep and unconditional love parents have for their child and as a result creates an environment where their child feels secure, valued and cherished, thereby contributing to the overall well-being and development. By nurturing their innate goodness, teaching them the art of understanding, caring for others and leading by example can one help create a generation that can contribute towards a more compassionate and harmonious world.
If as a parent, one wants their child to come to them and tell them the truth and also approach them when their life gets hard, then as a parent one needs to practice the art of listening well and make a space to disagree, being honest and engaging in hurtful, meaningful conversation rather than resorting to punitive measures such as yelling, smacking or time outs. The goal is to care for the child into understanding and not to scare them into obedience. Choosing the child’s mental health over everything for they are not achievements but humans who deserve to be healthy, happy and loved.
In the face of modern challenges, material tokens fall short in nurturing emotional resilience. The need for genuine, unconditional love is paramount. A generation raised by empathetic parents can redefine societal norms, paving the way for a more compassionate future.
The daily affirmations of love and the emphasis on deep connections form a shield against the unkindness prevailing in the world. It is not about toughening children to face a heartless world, but about instilling values that make the world less cruel. In a world filled with cruelty, every act of gentle parenting becomes a beacon of love. These actions create a secure space for children, fostering a sense of worth and belonging. By nurturing their inherent goodness and teaching empathy, parents contribute to a generation capable of fostering harmony and compassion. To foster open communication, parents must master the art of listening, creating a safe space for disagreement and meaningful conversations. Choosing understanding over punitive measures reinforces the importance of mental health. Children are not mere achievements but unique individuals deserving health, happiness, and love. Remember, the relationship with the kids today sets the stage for all others they will have throughout their life including the one they will have with themselves. They are not just mini versions of adults but are unique individuals with their own needs, rights and experiences that should be valued and respected.
(The writer is an educator, views are personal)
