As a mother, I always try my best to provide the best possible care and guidance to my son. Raising a child can be both challenging and rewarding, and I have learned a lot on this journey so far. Here’s a reflection on my experience as a mother and some tips that have helped me along the way.
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Show Empathy & Understanding
I try to put myself in my child’s shoes and understand his perspective. This is helping me to build trust and strengthen my relationship with my son.
Example
When Hitarth is upset about a situation at school/park, instead of brushing it off, I take the time to listen and understand his perspective & discuss about it in a very polite manner.
Practice Active Listening
I pay attention to what he is saying and acknowledge his feelings. This helps to make him feel heard and understood.
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Example
When Hitarth is telling me something, I put my phone down and give him my full attention. I show him that I am interested in what he has to say by asking questions and making eye contact. You can say something like, “That sounds like so much fun! Tell me more about it.”
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Offer Positive Reinforcement
Instead of just criticizing his mistakes, I focus on the positive and praise his efforts and accomplishments. This helps to boost his self-esteem and confidence.
Example
When my son accomplishes something, no matter how small, I never forget to praise his efforts. You can say something like, “Great job! I’m so proud of you for trying your best.”
Setting Boundaries
One of the biggest challenges I have faced as a mother is finding the right balance between being supportive and setting boundaries for my son. I have learned that it is important to give my son the freedom to make his own choices and learn from his mistakes, but at the same time, it is also my responsibility to keep him safe and make sure he is making healthy decisions.
Example
I have established clear rules around screen time, homework, and bedtime, and I make sure to consistently enforce these rules. This helps my son understand what is expected of him and gives him a sense of structure and stability.
Open and Honest Communication
To help me with this, I make sure to have open and honest communication with my son. I listen to his opinions and perspectives, and I try to explain my own thoughts and reasoning behind my decisions. This helps to build trust and mutual respect between us and also makes it easier for him to understand why I make certain rules.
Example
I make sure to have regular check-ins with my son and ask him about his day, his interests, and any challenges he may be facing. I also listen actively and respond to his questions and concerns with empathy and understanding.
Providing a Positive Environment
Another important aspect of parenting is providing my son with a positive and healthy environment. I make sure to create a safe and nurturing home where he feels loved and valued. I also encourage physical activity and healthy eating habits, which not only help him to maintain a healthy body but also a healthy mind.
Example
I encourage my son to participate in activities that he enjoys, such as sports, music, or art. I also make sure to praise his efforts and accomplishments, which helps to boost his self-esteem and confidence.
Encouraging Healthy Habits
Promoting healthy habits such as physical activity and healthy eating is important for a child’s overall health and well-being.
Example
I take my son on walks, play sports with him, and cook meals together that are both nutritious and delicious. This not only helps him to maintain a healthy body but also encourages him to make healthy choices in the future.
Spending Quality Time
In addition to this, I also prioritize spending quality time with my son. This can be as simple as playing a game or watching a movie together or even going on an adventure to explore new places. These moments help to strengthen our bond and create memories that we can cherish for a lifetime.
Example
I try to make a point of doing things that my son enjoys, such as going to the park, playing board games, or watching a movie together. These moments allow us to connect and have fun, and they also provide an opportunity for me to get to know my son better. You can say something like, “Let’s take a break from screens and play a board game together.”
Be a Positive Role Model
Lead by example and model the behavior that you want your child to display. This helps to instil positive values and behaviors in your child.
Example
Lead by example and show your child how to handle difficult situations in a positive and respectful manner. You can say something like, “I know it’s frustrating, but let’s try to find a solution instead of getting angry”, or, “In our family, we always use kind words and treat others with respect.”
The Final Words
Being a mother is a constant learning experience, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am grateful for the opportunity to watch my son grow and develop into his own person, and I am proud of the young man he is becoming.
In conclusion, being a mother requires patience, understanding, and a lot of love. By having open communication, providing a positive environment, encouraging healthy habits, and spending quality time together, I am able to nurture my relationship with my son and support him in his journey.
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