Introduction
Parenting or child-rearing practice is a beautiful yet challenging phase of life. Though parents encounter numerous advices and suggestions for raising the perfect child, the truth is that there is no right method. The one way you can ease the parenting phase is by fostering open communication and strengthening the bond between you and your child.
Different parents follow different parenting styles:
We all wish to be best parents to our children but this process may comprise of several hurdles. These challenges take shape of situation with the development of a child. Following are the common challenges in parenting journey:
The new normal
Family planning brings with itself major lifestyle changes including healthy diet and exercise. There are instances where parents prefer reading parenting books and prepare themselves mentally to accommodate living space. Such planning incorporates a changed routine for the parents to follow, in order to make it suitable for their child.
Health is wealth
This may begin with replacing alcoholic beverages with fresh juices for a healthy pregnancy and to deliver a healthy baby. Everything (such as baby food or baby-care products) is weighed across with its impact on overall wellness. If you are parenting a teen then health concerns may shift to frequency of eating out junks or habits like smoking, alcohol or drug in-take etc.
The time tide
While most people are on peak of their career and have babies in their 30s, time management can be a big issue. Spending quality time with your young one while you have to manage work, household chores, be responsive to the needs of other family members. As the child turns into an adolescent, it is important to ensure that she/he spends quality time with the family.
Co-parenting
Co-parenting does become a stressor when the ideology of two guardians does not match. For instance: A 15y/o wishes to go for a sleepover at their friend’s place while mother was explaining him why he is not allowed to go but the father suddenly enters the scene and allows him instantly. This makes one parent friendly while the other parent will be seen as strict. The child may even stop reaching to the strict parent.
The Future Saga
Future concerns regarding formal education including school or college admission, exam results, career choice are cause of worry for most parents.
Financial frame
Children add to the dependency or liability to the earning member/s of the family. Thus, planning and managing finances while accommodating the child rearing expenses is a challenge.