Dr. Keith Crnic, a parent-child relationship expert from Arizona State University says, “parenting is recognizing what your child needs in the moment and providing that in an effective way.”
Parenting is a continuous process or an act of watching, guiding and guarding the development of a child to follow the right path from childhood to adulthood. The role of parents in our society cannot be undermined. Strong individuals with good virtue mostly produce strong children. The parenting relationship is profound as it affects their physical, emotional, social, spiritual and cognitive development.
Another name Wikipedia called parenting is child rearing which is the need to support and raise them morally, physically, emotionally, academically and spiritually for balanced development.
In the 1960s, psychologist Diana Baumrind identified three main styles of parenting which are authoritarian, authoritative and permissive. A fourth style, neglectful, was later added in the 1980s by Stanford researchers Eleanor Maccoby and John Martin. (excerpt from internet).
The type of parenting style differs from one family to another, however there must be balance to what is right and appropriate in the manner at which their children are being taught. Parents will either fall into one of these styles or more. It all has both advantages and disadvantages.
When it comes to children you have to be intentional about what you do and don’t do for them. Do not leave anything to chance. The style of parenting will affect them in the long run, so do parenting with thoughtfulness. This is the period the children need you most to train them in the way they should go so they can have a pattern of operation.
Basically at the end of the day;
1. Children will do what they have observed over time not what you told them to do.
2. No matter the level of parenting style displayed, children will always reflect it outside the walls of their home.
3. Endeavour to fortify your child’s needs this summer. Strengthen their gifts and values. choose activities that are tailored to them.
4. Play is also at the centre of their development. Encourage meaningful play.
5. Parenting is a sacrifice and rewarding job that pays at the end of the day, due to the huge investment of time, resources, funds and love.
In conclusion, use within your means to rear them, do not shoot yourself in the foot in trying to care for them. Create a culture of moral excellence and imbibe into them a lasting value and virtue which is the utmost.
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Opeyemi Ojo is an Insightful writer with 2 books. She has a Master's Degree in Educational Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from the University of Lagos. Obtained a Bachelor’s and Diploma Degree in Aquaculture and Fishery Management from the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta. Opeyemi has worked as a Lecturer, School Administrator & School Monitor. A member of the TRCN, NIM & FISON. She is the Lead at IMPROVEMENT CENTRE as a School Development & Improvement Specialist. She is a Certified Strategic Life Coach and Personal Development Coach. She is the C.E.O. of Opscy Bookcity. Opeyemi is a Facilitator at Equip/Beyond Success non profit Organization of John C. Maxwell. @improvementcentre:IG Opeyemi Ojo on LinkedIn theimprovementcentre@gmail.com
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