Parenting - Apprehensions and anxieties

Dear Parent,

JOJU from JoyJumperz is here again. Infact, yesterday I had received a letter from one of the parents, they sounded quite nervous and stressed out on petty concerns. So, I thought to address all my lovely mothers and fathers on how to ease out their concerns.

The happiness the parents go through on hearing the news of their little ones is truly incomparable. With this great news, comes a bundle of various whyyy’s and howzzz. Their brain and heart are overcome with the desire of doing the best for their child. The thought and fear of doing something wrong slowly and gradually seeps in subconsciously and later gently and moderately apprehensions and anxieties of parents replaces the happiness.

Parents embark on the journey of trial and errors, as a parent nobody wants to miss any chance or afford to commit a mistake. These apprehension or fear ranges from as simple as “when should I introduce wheat to my child?” to “Will the school chosen by me understand my child’s needs?”

Mothers and Fathers just relax! Take a deep breath and say ALL IS WELL! I am not saying not to worry or not think about the well being of your child, but I am urging that it’s ok if your child falls, it is ok if they get hurt, it is perfectly fine if your child doesn’t meet the growing milestones. Just go with the flow, there is nothing wrong to have so many concerns but, do not let these concerns turn into worries and do not let these worries deprive you all of your happiness which you rightfully deserve. Remember, this moment of childhood of your little one will remain with you for years to come. So, grab it and don’t let the sheen go away. Who knows after a few decades you would be giving the same sermon to your child!

So, do not let these magnificent moments wash out while worrying about it unnecessarily.

However, I would suggest you to:

• Don’t let your apprehension and anxieties rub on to your child. Children are quick to read the body language. So, unnecessary agonizing yourself would invariably pass on the concerns to the child, which is absolutely not required. So, relax and always keep calm.

• Look for assistance: Being a parent comes with certain concerns and fears in that case instead of worrying, one can seek advice like, you can talk with the other parents, or if it is a school related issue, you can talk to a school counselor. Health issue can be addressed with a pediatrician. There is a way to handle everything in a calmer and in an easier way. Take an initiative to come out of your cocoon and look for the available solutions.

• Stop comparing: The most effective tool to keep yourself calm and free is to say a big NO on comparing your child. For ex- our hand has 5 fingers, but all five are different in size and their role. Similarly, kids may be in the same age bracket but, the pace of their growth is different. So, withdraw yourself from the unnecessary rat race.

• Cross the bridge when it comes; Don’t spoil your today by worrying about tomorrow. Take the call only when the situation arises.

• Go with your intuition: As the saying goes - too many mouths have too many advises. As a parent you are eligible to receive innumerable unsolicited advises from every quarter. You don’t need to comply with all the advises. Depend on your intuition and take a call which may deem fit for your child. Remember, nobody knows your child better than you do.

So, parents, let ease yourself a bit, have faith and belief, nothing wrong could happen to your child and promise yourself to be your child’s guiding angel forever!

Keep writing and sharing your concerns and experiences with me.

With that thought,

Happy Parenting OR Calm Parenting

Yours Jolly JOJU !!