Parenting: a lifelong process

Yes, you heard it right, it's a never-ending process, once you become a parent there is no going back. 

But are we trained to be parents with some courses, or are we just copying what our parents did?  And being honest, are you really satisfied with the type of parenting you got? I am sure some of you will answer “NO”, so are we going to do the same with our next generations? Think it through.

You must have heard the saying that you are a parent of the same age as your child is! 

That means we are not born with those skills, but we learn with our child. So yes, If you want to be a good parent,it needs skills and quiet knowledge about children and their developmental patterns.

Parenting: a simple word with a huge responsibility for a lifetime.   

What exactly is parenting? Is it giving birth to a child? Raising a child to be independent enough? Providing adequate care, food, shelter, education, etc.? Raising a child to make his/her life decisions? What is it?

In our great-grandparents' grandparents' era, the parenting term was not in fashion in India. In India, parents tend to follow similar parenting techniques to their parents. But as the generation changes, parents should modify their parenting techniques, taking into consideration the changing environment, available resources, children’s needs, and their mindset. We also have to upgrade and try to understand children on their level. There is no right or wrong way for parenting, but it should be child-centered, child-friendly, and a developmental booster for the child.

But why read about parenting? Is it really needed?

Yes because parenting directly influences a child's health, behavior, education, and future. In today's fast-changing world, traditional parenting methods often fall short, especially when dealing with modern challenges like screen addiction, mental health, and peer pressure.Parents often misread their child’s behavior as bad or rebellious. Learning about parenting helps understand why children act out. Build healthy two-way communication, reduce shouting, blaming, and misunderstanding, support homework and school attendance, create a stable home environment, monitor peer influence and online activity.

In India, many parents are stuck between Traditional norms (strict, obedience, gender roles) and modern realities (individual freedom, technology, career choices). Learning about parenting bridges this gap, helping parents adapt without losing core values. It encourages both the parents to share responsibilities.

According to studies in India, 

According to the Lancet Psychiatry, one in seven Indians aged 15–24 suffers from mental health issues. Children raised with neglect or inconsistent discipline are more likely to engage in risky behaviors or become juvenile offenders. It exposes children to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Many cases in India go unreported due to stigma or ignorance, especially in rural or impoverished areas.Poor parenting often leads to: Improper nutrition, mental health issues, poor hygiene, bad peers, bad education, doing wrong deeds.

Children won’t be taught life skills, emotional intelligence, or vocational abilities which will help them as an adult. 

Take action before your child becomes a victim.

Failed parenting is not just a family issue—it’s a national concern. Strengthening parenting through education, support, and community programs is key to building a healthier, safer, and more equitable India.

Parenting is not just about raising children—it’s about shaping India’s future. Given the challenges of poverty, education, health, and emotional well-being, India needs strong, informed, and supportive parenting more than ever.

I hope you have got the gist of why it is necessary in this era and why as a parent, we should know the basics of parenting before being a parent. I hope you will think about it and get to know your child first! 

We will definitely talk more about this.

See you soon!

Happy parenting to all!