Parent Tips

Parenting is the most toughest of all the professions in the world as it involves a great amount of discretion. There is no one standard rule for all children. Different children may need different levels of attention, expression of love, and toughness. A true parenting is infact a personalized art. It demands a lot of customization. However, here are a few broad guidelines that help oneself to be a great parent.

Recognize The Gift

Being a parent is the greatest gift of God. It is invaluable & incomparable to any other. Every experience is a treasure for life. It throws out abundant joys & perennial happiness. One has to be ever grateful for being gifted. Such an attitude of gratitude molds oneself to uphold the responsibility of being a parent very successfully. Yours shall be an inspiration for millions of others.

Give Them 'True' Love

People misunderstand that loving their children is to cater to whatever they ask for. If you get them everything they ask for, it is stupidity. Isn’t it? When you are loving, you can do just whatever is needed. When you truly love someone, you are willing to be unpopular and still do what is best for them.

Be a Role Model

What parents want their children to be & what parents stand for should be intertwined & not the opposite ever. Parents should practice what they direct. Walking the talk is the key. Children who find the role model in their parent are very lucky.

Let Them Be Free

Allowing children full independence facilitates them to explore what best they can be. They should be encouraged to KNOW MORE by questioning. The best gift that parents can give their children is – The Art Of Questioning. By learning to raise the right questions at the right time in the right manner & with the right person, children develop a great degree of awareness. Just by dumping them with info is of little value.

Nourish Their Natural Spirits

Parents become great by spending quality time with kids which is to build their self confidence & encouraging them to share their mind without any fear or hesitation. By doing so, children will be inspired to be creative & innovative.

Expand Their Boundaries

Let children know what they don’t know but in the way they love to know. Story telling does magic. It connects children & parents very much emotionally. It makes an impact much more than a gift & it is the best gift which expands the boundaries of the thinking patterns of the children.

Make Them Taste Life

What is life? This is the toughest question. Neither parents can answer in total. Children are more curious to know about- what life is & what is in store for them. Sharing about your childhood memories will help them taste what life is. It should always be a point that falling is normal but getting up is most important

Make Them Future Ready

Parents should not force children to do what they missed or dreamt doing in their lives but should facilitate children to be future ready. Parents should keep themselves updated about the futuristic trends & create facilities accordingly. One important thing to be kept in mind is that children are for the future and not for the past.

Positivity Prevails

There shall be a gap between dreams & reality. Yet, parents have to be always positive about the bright future of their children. Children who are fed with positive parenting grow beyond the dreams of their parents. If one particular way doesn’t work well for them, they will be able to create a much better way. So, be positive always.

Establishing Strong Family-School Communication

At SEEDS we look for creating a comfortable environment for our students and their parents by developing a healthy and strong School Family bond.

This article throws light on all the possible areas where we can work together to make our child’s primary years a strong base for a flourishing future ahead.

We appreciate if you can spend some time to comprehend this article which is an eye opener to many issues unseen.

Children grow and develop at different rates. While their pathways through childhood differ, most pass a set of predictable milestones along the way. Stable, quality relationships between a child’s family and other caregivers are essential.

As a parent you must…

  • Make sure the lines of communication with your child’s teacher are wide open.
  • Look for opportunities to find out what’s happening when your child is in group or at school.
  • Do not miss Group meetings and social events that are very helpful in creating a climate of families and teachers working together.
  • Attend regularly scheduled parent-teacher conferences as a time to listen to what’s really going on at school.
  • Parents have to intimate the front office and take the permission slip if they want to take their child during school hours.
  • Parent/ guardian have to be present near the drop point or else the student will be brought back to the school.
  • Parents can call the helpline number in case of emergency.
  • Need to take prior appointment in order to meet the class mentor/ Counsellor/ Center Head.
  • Return gifts on birthdays are not allowed. Students are allowed to come in civil dress and distribute candies (only). If interested they can donate a story book on their name to the school library.
  • Parents must send their children in complete school uniform. Dress code must be followed strictly.
  • It is mandatory for the parents to attend the PTM’s in order to maintain a track of their child’s progress. If missed- due to any emergency they are at liberty to fix an appointment with the respective class mentor on another working day.

Active Listening

Listening skills are the basis of communication. When you assume the role of active listener, you’re communicating to whoever is speaking that you’ve heard him/her correctly, understood what he/she said, and that you care. During a parent-teacher conference, for example, always maintain good eye contact. Make sure you’re not distracted or restless; instead concentrate on what the teacher is saying.

It’s also important to let the other person know you understand what they’re saying. Try to listen and rephrase what the teacher says to you. By restating her words with words of your own, you verify that you’re listening and make sure you understand what he/she is saying. Be sure to ask questions to ensure that you completely understand the teacher’s point of view.

Dealing with Anger

It’s vital to establish rapport with your child’s teacher. But how do you handle situations that result in angry feelings? The key is keeping the lines of communication open. There are ways to cope with angry feelings that can help you keep control of yourself and the situation. First of all, recognize that you’re angry. Take a breath to regain control. Try to understand what you and the teacher are feeling and put these feelings into words. Control your reaction and give yourself time before you reply. One of the ways to maintain control is by recognizing your flashpoints, the kinds of issues or situations that especially bother you.

Families and Children in Crisis

During upsetting and difficult times, you can help your children cope by letting them know you support and care about them. First of all, tell the truth. Don’t ignore the situation or pretend there’s nothing wrong. Avoid unrealistic assurances. Listen to what your child is saying, and help him/her express his/her feelings and worries.

Keep in constant contact with your child’s teachers so you can connect what’s going on at school with what’s going on at home. Play and creative activities are excellent outlets for a child to express her innermost thoughts and fears. Imaginative play, water play, and finger paint help children express feelings and relieve stress. Try not to overreact to tears or other upset behavior. Crying brings relief and it’s helpful to your child.

It's the Little Things: Daily Routines

Daily routines provide wonderful opportunities for your child to learn more about himself/herself, the world, and other people. Daily routines offer children a sense of stability and a feeling of caring from their parents. Be sure that these routines are responsive to the individual needs of each of your children.

Separation Anxiety (especially while leaving your child at school)

There comes a point in almost every baby’s life when she feels very strongly about being left by her parent. Often referred to as “separation anxiety,” your child might sob frantically and seem inconsolable when separating from you. Your handling of separation anxiety is very important for your child’s emotional well-being. Be sure to assure her with calm words and affection that you will return. Establish appropriate routines and responses that help your child overcome her fears. Security objects such as toys or stuffed animals can help her feel comfortable.

Attachment

The way you handle daily routines is especially important for younger ones. Be sensitive to your child’s cues and talk to him, even though he may not be speaking yet. Establish routines that are based on your child’s needs and try not to rush through daily tasks.

Meal time and Snack time

Children prefer plain, familiar food they can eat with their fingers. It’s important that snacks vary from day to day and that snacks, drinks, and desserts are nutritious. Children eat at their own pace. Some children eat more than others do. Eating should be a shared and cooperative experience with foods served family style. Mealtimes are opportunities for your children to be independent by making choices about foods.

Toileting

Toilet-training, and self-toileting, your child will learn about her body, social customs, gender differences, and personal hygiene. It’s important to convey a positive attitude to your child, being careful not to shame or humiliate her. Be sure to emphasize handwashing as a consistent part of the toilet routine.

Nap time and Bedtime

Nap time and bedtime can either convey warmth and security, or stress and turmoil to your child. Your child decides whether or not he/she sleeps, but you can create a relaxed environment. Sometimes it’s hard for children to relax. You can help your child by setting a daily routine that is quiet, calm, and consistent. Try to create a restful mood by reading quietly, playing soothing music, and rubbing your child’s back.

Every parent hopes that their children are developing a positive sense of self-worth. How your children feel about themselves is one of your greatest responsibilities and biggest challenges.

Hope you all stand for it!