There is no parenting 101 manual

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Parenting is probably one of the toughest tasks at hand . You would never know if you are being a good parent,but you tried your best . You didn't fail.

You just didn't know any better . You weren't given a Parenting 101 manual . I am not a parent, but from the place I am at , I believe I am in a position to emphatize with both the parent and the child . And there is always a catch 22.

As a parent it is extremely challenging to deal with situations you weren't prepared for. While we do know that we are doing our best , may be we need to change our approach. We cannot compare our childhoods and use them as a reference point .

Respect doesn't mean your child should always give in. It also doesn't mean you are always right just because you were taught that a parent is always right . Children have a voice sometimes and they say things from a very different place. They don't realise it is going to hurt you. Do not let your ego define the relationship. As a parent your idea of love may be different. These days children often ask for privacy something which we never did , it's important to understand that yes privacy maybe something they want . Children are also very vocal and probably fearless to some extent .Most of us have been brought up in an environment where the parent is always supposed to be right or wiser and respect is commanded .

Being brought up in a culture with no boundaries may make it difficult for us to understand. The fear of whether the child may be doing something wrong in their private space makes us overprotective sometimes . I must admit it is a delicate line , one which needs to be treaded with a lot of caution . Often times our self expression of love may be something that a child doesn't identify with , they may see it as being controlling. There are countless such parenting moments . Being the bigger person is not easy . But sometimes we may need to take a step back and maybe think where these rigid ideas are coming from . No one ever said it was easy . Also never allow yourself to think you failed. Remember you always did your best in your capacity and understanding . Much love.

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itadaki Mas - The Japanese thank you for the meal at the table .

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When thoughts become things..

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