Sadhguru, known the world over for his life-changing ideologies, has often spoken about parenting your children in the right manner. While most experts believe that when it comes to parenting, there is no one size fits all, however, there are some key tenets to parenting, which according to Sadhguru, can completely transform your parenting style. Here they are…
Create a home that is free from stress, anger and anxiety
Parenting is a difficult task, and one that requires immense patience, and perseverance. Hence, most parents, at some point, have had a meltdown, and lost patience with their children. However, to raise gentle children, one has to create, or rather nurture a loving environment at home – one that is free from stress, anger, and anxiety. This is the primary responsibility of parenting.
Children don’t need a ‘boss’, they need parents
As a parent, your primary responsibility is to be there for your child – and not act as his/her boss. While it is true that your child should take your opinion on everything and anything that he/she does, it is equally true that you have to give them the freedom to make his/her own decisions too. Children do not appreciate someone hovering on their heads, rather they need someone they can go to for advice.
Lead by example
Want your child to stop watching the Television, and start reading books? Then start by doing it yourself. You can’t expect your child to start doing anything you want him/her to do, without displaying it yourself first, according to Sadhguru. Learn to lead by example – it is okay to tweak your schedule a little here and there to accommodate your child’s growing needs, and inculcate good habits in his formative years.
Do not put them in a box
Sadhguru says that restricting children to a certain sort of life, replete with rigid timeframes, ideologies and deadlines stunt their growth. While a certain amount of discipline is always needed, children need space to grow, and a space to actually understand and differentiate their rights from wrongs. Do not box your child into what you think is right, at least not always.
Relook their education system
Sadhguru believes that the sole purpose of education is not just bookish knowledge, but also worldly knowledge, global affairs, etc. For this, it is important that one should invest in a curriculum that moulds them into well structured individuals with wings to fly, rather than someone who only knows what the books teach him/her. An academic institution should be able to expand your child’s horizons, not clip it.
Let them experience nature
It is extremely imperative for kids to experience nature, says Sadhguru. For this, it is important that apart from the tech-laden world they live in, kids are exposed to greenery for a couple of hours each day, whether it is activity based or simply walking around, reading a book, or having a picnic. Nature has the power to heal, not to forget, it is good for your child’s immunity as well.
Do not burden your child
There will always be someone better than your child. While this might be a tough pill to swallow, it is the universal truth, and one that every parent has to accept. However, that does not mean that you can burden your child with your expectations, says Sadhguru. Remember, each child is unique, and the benchmark for success is different for everyone, so do not get tied down by only one definition of success, when it comes to your child.
