Deep within we all want to do something significant in life. We want to live our life more meaningfully and want to change something and make a positive impact in the world. We look for ways to do so but seldomly we look into parenting as a means to do the same. We fail to see that parenting has a significant impact not only on our family but to society and to a greater extent, to the world. How we raise our children determines how society will be in the future. Unfortunately, while raising our children very few of us understand this and often we understand its significance when things go wrong or when we face challenges ourselves.
On top of that, most stay-at-home parents feel insignificant and unworthy most of the time. Many women who choose to be stay-at-home mothers face judgments and criticism; sometimes from other women, and that can trigger feelings of self-doubt and low confidence which makes them lonely and they start to doubt their significance. We need to realise that parenting is actually the superpower that we have been gifted if we learn the significance of it. It is a golden opportunity to make this world a better place. We all know that mental health is paramount in our lives, especially in the trying times like these and the need to address this issue from the root is all-time high. Most mental health issues are rooted in childhood and often people who had challenging households where they were exposed to traumas carry them throughout their adult lives. If only we learn to address the issue before it arises, we can make a significant impact not only in our families but also in the society.
If we learn to prioritise our own wellbeing and wellness and learn to take care of ourselves, we can manage our children well and teach them to do so. A child is a blank canvas that can be painted with beautiful colours of life and if we allow the child to paint his/her own canvas with the beautiful colours of his choice then the life of the child will be extremely beautiful and the colours of his life will make the world a beautiful place and that can only be possible if the child gets proper environment at home and for that, every parent needs to prioritise parenting. Most of us are gifted with our children when we are very young or immature and do not know much about parenting. Our role models are mostly our own parents, siblings and friends and they may not be able to provide the insight or guidance for all the issues that may need resolution. This is because the issues and challenges are unique for each generation, each family and each situation.
If we make an effort to learn about parenting intentionally, understand our children and their needs, understand basic psychology of the children and their personality type, their behaviours and the reason behind certain uncomfortable behaviour, then we can support our children well and also address any issues that come during their childhood. We can then prevent the extensive damage that happens mostly during childhood or in adolescence and that can safeguard our children from becoming a victim of mental health problems or any other kind of harm.
If we understand the importance of being a better parent and learn to be more mindful and conscious through guidance, practices and learn about them in depth, we can make this world a better place to live where there are adults who will be able to function through their inner happiness and joy rather than pain and trauma and there will be peace and harmony and we all can contribute to the betterment of the society with simple act of being a mindful parent.
With solid foundation of a secure, happy and vibrant childhood, children will be able to have self-confidence, emotional intelligence and resilience to face the world with ease and make significant contribution to the society and live a happy and meaningful life themselves and empower future generations to do the same and hence the world can be a far better place to live. So next time, if you think being a parent is just another job or if you find yourself having low self-esteem if you are a stay-at-home parent, remember that you have the opportunity, power and capability to change the world by becoming a mindful conscious parent and you have the superpower so use it well not only for your family but also for the betterment of the society.
Parul Rana 