Reflections on Parenting: Nurturing Confidence and Embracing Individuality

Scene 1:

School day and debut stage performance for my little lady: a prayer song with five young children.

Kid 1: Hello! Hello!

Immediately, my girl snatched the mic from him and said, "Hello, Hello"

Me thinking "Hmmm! Confidence. That's good. I've taught her this song. Looks like she is going to rock this song, and I'm going to take the credit for this performance in front of my wife"

The song started, and my little princess smiled graciously and confidently. Everyone else is singing. Seems like she is my daughter after all.

Scene 2:

Second dance program, my daughter and my wife are performing.

Well-coordinated lip sync and steps for a 4-year-old. I started feeling a bit jealous of my wife.

Realisation: She is my wife's daughter as well

Scene 3:

4-5 toddlers performing on the stage. I was casually observing the audience when my eyes suddenly focused on a mom and dad. They were noting every mistake their son made, placing their hands on their heads and exchanging disappointed looks.

Oh God!! There he is! "The Sachin Tendulkar" who is bearing all the expectations of their parents at the age of 3. Lucky "Sachin", it took at least twenty years for Sachin to do so.

This single event has reminded me of some great directions from good old people when I was struggling through parenting.

1. Up until the age of 5, your behaviour and your ancestors' influence are reflected in your children's genes. It's more appropriate to direct any anger towards yourself rather than the children.

2. Give them the chance to break outside and experiment. Give them the right people and the right environment. Otherwise, you will be struggling with them.

3. You cannot compare yourself with them because they grew up with different people, in a different environment, and with different food. If this is so, I would ask why you did not become "Sachin".

Don't let your children bear the trauma of you. Be a good guide, not a prisoner. May your children figure themselves out and find a better version of their environment. Let us work towards the best future for our children.