Being a parent is one of the happiest experiences you will have in life but it’s also the one that comes with many responsibilities. In September of 2012, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 1 to be celebrated as the Global Day of Parents to honour parents around the world. This day was initially established in 1994.
Children learn from their parents – not just from the words but also from how their parents treat them and how they treat each other. This is why there’s a saying – “there are no bad children, just bad parents”. Therefore, it is important for the new parents to follow the essential tips that’ll make this beautiful journey more beautiful.
Significance of Global Day of Parents
Without the guidance of parents, children would have a hard time coping with adulthood and thus, this Global Day of Parents is a reminder for children to value and respect their parents.
Usually, children don’t realise how many selfless acts their parents make to protect them and ensure their growth.
Therefore, globally, on June 1, children express gratitude towards their parents for everything their parents do and have done for them. A parent-child relationship is one of the truest and most important bonds that most people have in their entire lives. Those who have a healthy relationship with their parents based on respect and trust rather than strictness and authority, are considered to be lucky.
What is a Perfect Child-Parent Relationship?
The interaction between parents and children will shape the future of the child and the habits and behaviour they pick up from their parents will be the guiding light of their life. Parents know what is best for their children because they have been through all those stages that their children will now go through.
It is very important to realise that parenting is a team effort. Both parents are equally responsible for the upbringing of their child and should actively participate in the task. The first step towards wise parenting is a good child-parent relationship – one that is based on love and trust. Family is where love never ends and where life begins.
Parenting Tips for New Parents
Parenting, though rewarding but it’s not an easy task. Therefore, here are a few parenting tips for first-time/new parents:
1. Communication
Communication is the foundation of any relationship. It’s very important to talk to your child about their life in general, about topics other than their studies and school life. There could be a lot going on in their life and you won’t be aware of it unless you communicate with them.
2. Group Activities
Try to spend as much quality time with your kids as you can. That doesn’t mean always trying to teach them something but also playing with them and trying to know them better as they grow up. Because a child’s interests tend to change a lot while growing up as they are continuously exposed to new experiences.
3. Apologise When You Make a Mistake
Transparency can bring about a big change to your relationship with your kids. Keep your ego aside and apologise to your children when you make mistakes. So that your child can learn the proper way to behave, i.e., to accept when they are wrong and make the necessary changes. It’s said that only a person who can acknowledge that they are wrong can correct themselves.
4. Healthy Environment
A healthy environment between children and their parents promotes a healthy and positive relationship in the child’s life with other people around them. It helps the child to form better, long-lasting bonds with their peers. A healthy environment also positively affects a child’s physical, social, emotional, and mental health.
5. Accept Help from Fellow Parents, Friends, or Relatives
Ask for help whenever you get stuck. Don’t hesitate. Take help from your family and friends, or maybe hire a nanny for your kids.
6. Respect
Respect is a two-way street. Respect your kids if you want them to respect you and everyone else they meet. It’s not something you can just demand, respect is earned. Respect is not just for the elders; it is deserved by everyone alike.
7. Take Care of Each Other
Having a child to look after doesn’t mean that you forget about your partner. Yes, you will have less time for each other after the child is born but it’s up to you to make time for your partner. Remember, it’s new for them too. So, try to figure it out together. After all, you guys are a team!
Conclusion
Parenting is a challenging task but it’s only as difficult as you make it to be. If both parents are willing to work as a team, then it is very much doable. A child needs both parents. Both, a father, and a mother play different roles in a child’s life. Global Day of Parents is observed for this very purpose – for a child to realise the value of his/her parents, respect them, and take care of them as and when they grow up. Happy Parenting!
