| Let me start by asking what is strong foundation in a | | | | parents should not only be physically present but |
| child? It is self confidence, a positive attitude which will | | | | should be willing to give her full attention. When Papa |
| propel the child to greater achievements in life. | | | | has to go to the office, the child should be informed |
| Although humans have unlimited potential to attain | | | | and she will understand that Papa will be unavailable till |
| greater heights, all of us put a limit to our potential by | | | | the evening. In case mother has to go out, she should |
| self-assessment - by deciding and fixing our worth in | | | | inform the child. If the child expects to find her mother |
| our subconscious mind. We develop our own opinion | | | | and cannot see her, she feels insecure. When this |
| about ourselves in our childhood. At this stage we set | | | | happens too often the sense of insecurity becomes |
| a limit to what or how much we deserve and most of | | | | prominent which will have negative impact on her life. |
| us honor this self-imposed limitation throughout our lives. | | | | There is another reason why parents must give |
| During childhood parents look after the child when child | | | | proper response to the child when she approaches |
| is fixing her world-view in her subconscious. The | | | | them. Parents will certainly want their child to develop |
| parents have strong influence on this process. | | | | the ability to get favorable response from the people. |
| Therefore they are in the right position to shape the | | | | By responding favorably to the child's needs, as |
| child's attitude towards her life. How can parents | | | | perceived by her, the parents create this ability in the |
| ensure that they are providing proper direction to the | | | | child. She develops the skill to behave and create |
| child? | | | | situations whereby others will be inclined to give her a |
| First of all, it is important to recognize that the input | | | | favorable response. |
| given to the child does not matter to her as much as | | | | Great achievers take initiative and responsibility for |
| the input she receives and registers in her mind. There | | | | their actions. Parents can help in cultivating these |
| is a difference between what is given to the child and | | | | qualities in the child. Disciplining the child is ok, but this |
| what she receives. | | | | should not suppress her initiative and creativity. In fact |
| The parenting skill is the ability to see from the child's | | | | she should be encouraged and rewarded for showing |
| perspective. It is recognizing what input is registering | | | | her creative talents. She should be given as much |
| with the child. Once this skill is in place the parents can | | | | opportunity as possible to express herself in any way |
| ensure that the child receives, accepts and registers | | | | she wants. She should get the message that she can, |
| the right emotional input. | | | | and she is allowed to make things happen. She is not a |
| There is hardly any doubt that parents love their child. | | | | meek receiver of what is given to her, but a mover |
| But is the child getting this message? The child should | | | | who can get what she wants, a go-getter. |
| constantly get the message that she is loved | | | | The best way to teach human values to the child by |
| unconditionally, not as a reward for something. She | | | | setting personal examples. The child learns a lot by |
| needs to be assured that she will be loved and cared | | | | observing her parents. As a parent, you should keep in |
| for no matter what she does. She needs to feel that | | | | mind that your child is watching you ALL THE TIME, |
| she is an important member of the family. | | | | even when she is physically not present. Just be |
| The child then ingrains the belief in her subconscious | | | | aware of this fact and watch out for examples you |
| that she is an important member of the society. She | | | | are setting for her. It is very good policy to ALWAYS |
| will radiate a feeling of warmth towards others and will | | | | remain truthful to your children. |
| create situations where others reciprocate to her with | | | | I have touched upon some qualities the parents would |
| similar feelings. Her acceptance in the society will be | | | | like their child to have when she goes out into the |
| natural, beyond any doubt. | | | | world and how they can help her in achieving those |
| Another crucial input the child should get is that the | | | | qualities. The role of the parents does not end with |
| parents will be available when she expects and wants | | | | being a provider. They have strong influence on her |
| them. The child does not require the company of the | | | | emotional build-up which decides what type of person |
| parents all the time. But whenever she does, the | | | | she is going to be later in life. |