As defined by the dictionary “parenting” is the act of bringing up a child as a parent. It is the progression and support offered for the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood. This definition by Wikipedia sums up the underlying process of parenting in its entirety.
Parenting is a never-ending and a continuous process that involves the children and their parents. The parents could be biological or foster or any other member of the family who is looking after the fulfillment of the child’s needs.
The meaning of parenting is an all-encompassing system and not a term that includes all the skills and techniques to bring up children who become healthy and happy adults. Good parenting helps to inculcate responsible behavior in children who understand and comply with their responsibilities and duties towards their family and society.
As a parent, I try to provide a balanced and safe atmosphere for my children to grow up. Safeguarding them from any unwanted and anti-social rudiments becomes my prime responsibility while teaching them the right from the wrongs. In the backdrop of these factors, parenting is the biggest responsibility that steers our lives. My decisions weigh heavily on the way my children perceive the world. They view the outside world through the eyes of their parents. They distinguish between issues by the decision-making capabilities that they learn from their parents and siblings.
Parenting is influenced by social stratification, cultural backgrounds and financial standing too. The values and mores of our culture play a major part in the parenting process. The social class of the parents determines the availability of resources the child gets for his upbringing. Though it might sound a little prejudiced, the financial standing definitely affects the way a child turns up as an adult. However, it isn’t a determinant of the way our children grow up to be. A child might come from a lower income group and still become very successful and vice versa.
Parenting skills vary depending on a lot of factors. There is no dearth of tips for parents on the internet these days. Tips that help you bring up your child in the most positive and healthy environs.
All we can do and hope for is to provide the best as parents for our children and trust our instincts to do our finest.