Parents are the first teachers, mentors, role models and protectors. Their unconditional love, understanding, caring and hard work help children not only to go through life but help them to grow through life. Every parent put in a lot of effort to give their children best, comfortable and happy life.

Most parents today feel that children are very different. Many parents complain that today’s children demand a lot. They wonder what future holds in store for their children! Why is it so? I think it’s just because the parents have not learned the act of life giving parenting and it’s the need of the time more than any time. What is this life giving parenting? I hope the following thoughts would help parents to be better parents.

The first thing to be kept in mind is that both parents must accept the awesome responsibility to be the guiding light in the lives of their children. Children need sound leadership and definite limits to feel secure. Life-giving parents lead by example. Their parenting is uplifting, warm, compassionate, constantly seeking and discovering the hidden potential of their children. They set limits and permit choices, and create a system within which children are enabled to decide for themselves against the backdrop of cause and consequence. Family time is used not to condemn, criticize or compare, but to teach, empower, dialogue, pray and have fun!

Parents speak the loudest when they listen the most. The best way to be heard is to listen with respect, to be attentive to what your children say. Take the focus off yourself and place it on those who are trying to communicate with you. When your children ‘feel’ your care, they open their hearts and minds to you! Empathetic listening, caring, measured responses, encouraging questions and a sense of togetherness foster communication and bring life and renewal to the relationship.

One of the most important principles of parenting is for spouses to stay united, even as we work and grow through our differences. Parents who lead children in opposite directions because of their individual differences, leave children bewildered and confused. Children do not respect parents who show no respect for the other.