Parenting - in bits & pieces

The only people who are always sure about the proper way to raise children are those who’ve never had any.’ ~Bill Cosby

It really takes a lifetime to understand what’s going on the kiddos mind. Going through scores of books, material on the net, getting tips from all the apparent agony aunts and here I get back to the crossroads where I constantly keep worrying about the kiddos eating habits, his throwing tantrums over silly things and also cant keep myself from amazing at the love and warmth I get from the chubby cheeks & dimpled chin. Sometimes I get to the edge of losing my temper and feel that may be this was a heavy price I am paying for having a child and I can’t stand a minute when he is out for a simple ride with his papa. But then again I am loving this experience, the whole experience without any expectations of being a mum and yes, again I am loving this small little cho chweet kiddo to bits and pieces. This fulfilling experience of being a woman is something which can only experienced when one gets to teach the roots of life to another little human being. But this whole thing has given a new meaning to both our lives. There were times when I was struggling day in and day out to lessen the stress levels I was going through being a new mum and here I am totally carefree and glad that its all a “learn as you go through it” process. So its all experience that really teaches you how to be a stress free parent and be a guilt free parent life( which I was going through for most part of kiddos below 2 years life given the fact that he is a fussy eater)

So, leading the stress free parent life thing isn’t one that I’ve learned completely. I’ll share what I’ve learned so far, with the caveat that I don’t always follow the Way, that I still make mistakes daily, that I still have a lot to learn, that I don’t claim to have all the answers as a parent.


• When a stressful time arises (and it will), learn to deal with it with a smile. Make a joke, turn it into a game, laugh … you’ll teach your child not to take things so seriously, and that life is to be enjoyed. Breathe, walk away if you’ve lost your temper, and come back when you can smile.
• Lead by example because no matter what I advise the kiddo he wouldn’t pay 2 hoots to it but then seeing us and trying to imitate our activity has taught him most of his basic lessons. Be it brushing right after waking up or not drinking cola or table manners, he has learnt a lot by seeing us. So always lead by example, never advice.
• Take every opportunity to teach kindness and love. It’s the best lesson.
• Do not worry about about the child’s eating habits. He is more in touch with Mother Nature than we are. So respect his taste buds and let him choose what to eat. You can play the role of an advisor, who gives him a chance to choose from different veggies.(All thanks to Rujuta for making me guilt free about this one thing!!)
• It is often the child’s behavior which is disliked. So differentiate the fact that it is only the behavior/attitude which you dislike in the child but then again the child means the world to you come what may. So show the difference and the kid understands the fact in due course of time.
• Be calm, smile, be kind, go outdoors and be active.
• Repeat repeat and repeat at least 100 times. Children are novice to learning things so give 101st time a shot to try if the child hasn’t learn through your teaching him 100 times. Be patient.
• Kiss your child goodnight and ready a story to him every night. He might not totally understand but the story telling thing will reap benefits one day as you will see his imagination, vocabulary and word power increase by the day.
And be thankful for the bundle of joy god has gifted to you. Give thanks for another amazing day with your beautiful, unique, crazy child.