Madhu S Mahottari
“He says he wants to be a police officer and he is just 4 years old. I do not know where he learns things from. Maybe in school, maybe at home. It has worked to my advantage. You see, every time he is fussy and does not want to eat, I tell him that policemen are strong because they do not skip their meals. I tell him if he wants to be a policeman, he too will have to eat full stomach. When I say this, something happens in his brain and he comes, sits and finishes his meal. And he also shows me his empty plate. I am sure it is a big sense of accomplishment for him. I tell him now that he has finished his meal, he will be strong. I give him a hug and a kiss and he too gets excited.
Although he is just 4, he knows all the alphabets, numbers and parts of the body. He greets goodbye to everyone when his dad takes him to school. Although I ask him to take a rest as he returns home, he sits to do homework. Only after completing homework, he goes outside to play. I think these are good traits. He knows his priorities.
Little things matter to children. I used to be dismissive. He would say something I would not really listen to. For me, he was just a kid chattering away. But after the parenting sessions, I have realized that my son is an intelligent being and that he is trying to communicate just like the adults in the way he best knows. So when he says something we have to listen and give them an appropriate reply. I am able to engage with my child that way and I am happy he is also learning good things from the answers I give him.
Sometimes, I do not know how to answer his questions. They are so very innocent that it is hard to answer in a way they can understand. So I tell him that I do not know the answer to that question and that I will try to find out. Sometimes he is upset that he cannot finish his game or does not know how to tie or knot. I go and help him. I tell him that it is okay not to know things. We adults do not know so many things so we cannot expect our children to know, understand and learn everything.”
(Madhu S, Mahottari)
#BecomingAParent
