Embracing the Learning Journey:
As parents, we know that children are like wet mud, easily molded by their experiences and environment. They possess a remarkable ability to learn at a rapid pace, often surpassing adults in their capacity for acquiring new skills and knowledge. Have you tried learning a new skill along with kids? If yes, then you could vouch for their quick learning ability with a first-hand experience if you have tried a totally new skill like playing an instrument. As parents, it is essential to embrace this challenge by actively participating in their learning journey. By undertaking the pursuit of learning alongside them, we not only expand our own horizons but also set a positive example for them to emulate.
Instilling Core Values:
One of the pressing challenges faced by parents today is instilling core values in their children. While values may vary from family to family, certain universal principles such as self-respect, respect for others, inclusion, courage, humility, empathy, and the importance of reading, listening, learning, developing social skills are essentials for every individual to cultivate. We need to ask ourselves if we are providing enough real-life examples for our children to model behavior upon.
Becoming Role Models:
When we find ourselves in unfamiliar roles or situations, we often adopt the approach of 'faking it till we make it.' We look to those who have already mastered the desired role, observe their actions, validate their methods, and apply them to our own circumstances. Similarly, in our interactions with children, we need to invest ample time and effort to become the role models they need, embodying the values we wish to see in them.
Making Time for Meaningful Connections:
Quality time spent is precious and priceless in any relationship. If circumstances doesn’t permit us to spend enough time, it becomes crucial to create an atmosphere with trusted individuals like relatives, close friends, mentors and teachers that could embody the values we hold dear to ourselves thereby adding further to their development.
It is not only what we eat that has an effect on our thinking, it is also what we consume through our senses. Visual effects have a great impact and we all know the power of visual aids in conveying a message and persuading. Similarly, kids will be benefitted by seeing role models that display the positive behaviors we like to see in them. If they see people around them engaging with a device, they also tend to do the same. On the other hand, If they see people reading books or engaging in positive activities, they also try to mimic the same.
Recommended Actions:
1. Slow down and focus only on the essentials. Temptation to be omnipresent could create further challenges in maintaining relationships and one’s own well-being.
2. Engage in family chores that could be done as a team work. It has multiple advantages from spending quality time to breaking stereotypes to increasing the sense of responsibility in the family.
3. Have lighter moments playing together promoting fun, acceptance irrespective of outcomes and mutual respect.
4. Use storytelling, one of the powerful tools to relate with real world issues, have open conversations about each other’s experiences etc., Personally, some of my friends have seen positive impact from the story telling. Here we make use of hearing senses to convey what we would like to reinforce.
5. Dedicate time for open discussions. Human beings are referred as social animals that has the innate desire to interact with one another in-person.
Time : The New Gold in Nurturing Relationships
I would say Time is the new gold to nurture any relationship and we must view it as time ‘investment' and not merely as time spent ! While often Time is associated with money, time cannot be replaced by material possessions in fostering strong connections. Replacing the quality time with pricy gifts might give a satisfaction of compensation but not the benefit in the longer run with desired outcomes.
The concept of time – referred as "Kaala Chakram" in Indian philosophy serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of living mindfully and in harmony with the natural rhythms of time. It encourages a deeper contemplation of the nature of existence and the interconnectedness of all things within the fabric of time.
Together, we can build a brighter future, guided by love, respect, and the shared pursuit of knowledge and growth.
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