Parenting is quite difficult. Period. However, what makes it even more complicated is parenting being a subjective matter where every parent has his or her own way of bringing up children. While one parent might find being strict with children to be a better way of disciplining them, the other might feel that going light with them and letting them be their own selves is the best way to aid in their development. Having said that, one question that tends to bother most parents is whether to be a parent or a friend to their children.
At Delhi Public School, Sushant Lok, a renowned CBSE school in Gurgaon, we believe that the best way of raising children is to give them a fair share of parenting and friendly encounters. It is necessary that children understand boundaries, which is why mindful parenting becomes crucial. On the other hand, there are instances wherein children have to be introduced to a few sensitive concepts, which is where a friendly approach comes in handy. Let us get to know this in further detail in this article below. Read on.
Becoming a Parent to your Child
As a parent, you cannot deviate from your core responsibility, which is to raise your children to become independent and well-groomed individuals. Precisely, you need to put up a parenting act in certain instances, such as:
1) Let us say your child is being adamant as far as distributing study and playtime is concerned. Here, even though you can sweet talk your child into finding balance, nothing can beat the authoritative tone that a parent carries.
2) Children are quick learners, which means it does not take them much time to imitate and learn from others. The sad part, however, is that they don’t always learn the right thing. Here again, you need to step into the shoes of a parent to help your child differentiate between right and wrong.
3) It is quite possible that your child is being stubborn and showing a lack of respect towards others. Here again, it is necessary that you up your parenting game and make sure that your child understands that respect can never be compromised upon.
Becoming a Friend to your Child
While you may be skeptical about becoming your child’s friend, you need to understand that, at times, situations demand you to choose to be a friend over a parent to your children. In the beginning, you may feel lost, but it is not long before you get on the same page as your child. Some of the situations where you have to be a friend to your little one include:
1) It is not uncommon for children to be bullied and pulled down just for the sake of fun by their classmates. In such situations, children can go into a shell and prefer not to open up with their parents. This is where befriending your child will help you reach to the core of the problem and ultimately eradicate it.
2) Your child may be an introvert by nature, which might be preventing him or her from making friends. Here again, you must try to become your child’s friend, enter his or her space, and develop an understanding that making friends is not very difficult.
3) Learning capacity differs between children. This can make your child feel as if he or she is lagging behind or is not as capable as their fellow mates. Children find it difficult to open up about these feelings with their parents, but if you choose to become your child’s friend, it won’t be difficult for you to detach your child from such limiting feelings.
Final Thoughts:
This brings us to concluding that becoming a parent or friend to your child is more situational and less of what you prefer. This is something, we, at DPS Sushant Lok, one of the best CBSE schools in Gurgaon, would want the parents to realize and understand. This is necessary for you to be able to give the right guidance and direction to your children as and when needed. After all, children are most close to their parents. This is something that parents should use to their benefit and help their children in building a fulfilling life.