“A home is not built of bricks and beams, but of children’s laughter, love, and dreams.”
In today’s fast-paced world, parenting has become both a challenge and a sacred responsibility. With nuclear families becoming the norm and busy schedules pulling parents in every direction, the role of nurturing values among children often shifts to grandparents. Yet, the responsibility of raising kind, respectful, and balanced individuals remains primarily with the parents because, after all, bringing a child into the world is a conscious decision, and their upbringing is a sacred duty.
“Children are not things to be moulded, but are people to be unfolded.” — Jess Lair
Parenting is like a boomerang—it always returns to the family. Mercy begets mercy, and this truth applies to all the learnings of a child. In today’s demanding routines, parents often find little time to spend with their children. I don’t blame them—it’s the need of the hour. However, in such times, grandparents become the anchors of values, the ones who nurture empathy, respect, and wisdom in young hearts.
As nuclear families flourish, individuals increasingly desire to live independently and on their own terms. Yet, when one enters a marriage, it is an implicit agreement to support and grow with one another. When a couple chooses to expand their family, they must also be prepared to invest the next twenty years of their lives with unwavering commitment. If parents are willing to bring a child into this world, they must also be ready to nurture and care for that child because the child didn’t ask to be born, nor deserves to feel abandoned for no fault of their own.
Today, many marriages face strain. Sadly, the same person once loved deeply can become an “eyesore” overnight. And one day, both parents may decide to separate, leaving the child caught in a storm of confusion and pain. These innocent souls, without the wisdom to understand what went wrong, are forced to live in environments full of frustration, loneliness, and conflict—all for no mistake of theirs.
Harmony, love, and truthfulness—rooted in honesty and mutual respect—are the only way to raise good human beings. Children must be taught the values we hope they will carry forward. Let them connect with nature. Teach them to love animals, care for trees and plants, and appreciate the effort behind every grain of food. Encourage them to plant a seed, even if it is in a flowerpot, so they understand both the process of growth and the value of nourishment.
Help them value every person around them—from the janitor who keeps their surroundings clean to the driver who drops them at school. At the same time, teach them to raise their voices if something feels wrong, even if it involves a known relative. Never overlook a sulking child or sudden behavioural changes. A vigilant parent can often sense when something is amiss—awareness is protection.
Discipline is another cornerstone of good upbringing. We hear of alarming incidents like shooting sprees, and these must be addressed at the root. Never allow children near weapons, even if licensed. Keep them away from personal disputes that rob them of respect for adults. Avoid teaching animosity—whether religious, racial, or caste-based. Children mirror our behaviour, and if hatred is what they see, that is what they will absorb.
Education is essential, but so is understanding your child’s true potential. Discover what excites them—be it painting, music, dance, swimming, or sports—and give them the space to grow holistically. Introduce them to the dignity of labour by modelling it yourself. Let them clean their study tables or lift a chair. These small acts shape character.
Teach spirituality, not just religion. Meditation, irrespective of faith, works wonders. It enhances patience, focus, and joy, filling a child’s aura with peace and purpose.
And finally, teach equality. Never raise a child with a monarch’s attitude simply because he is a boy. Patriarchy must find its eternal rest. Discrimination kills the innocence of childhood. Raise children who respect girls and women. Teach both boys and girls life skills like cooking and carpentry. Let gender bias fade away naturally. Talk to boys about menstruation and motherhood. Let them understand shared responsibility—raising a child is not the woman’s burden alone; it is a partnership, just like the decision to build a family.
Remember, a child is like dough—malleable and sensitive. Their minds are blank slates. Cast beautiful hues of love, wisdom, and kindness upon these slates, so that we may one day witness them growing into radiant rainbows—making our homes joyful and the world a better place to live in.
Please remember, “There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Wishing you all Happy and Joyful Parenting!
Mahima Tiwari
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