
It’s widely recognized that parenthood is one of the most inspiring responsibilities in life. From researching different parenting approaches to experimenting with various parenting tips, we consistently strive to raise joyful and accomplished children. Regardless of the method we choose, everything ultimately depends on the quality of the bond between parent and child. The deeper this connection, the stronger the foundation for a good upbringing.
Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s education and career paths even before they build their own families and pursue personal ambitions. They are responsible for instilling core values, a sense of responsibility, and discipline in their children. In today’s society, countless distractions can easily lead young people astray. That’s why parents need to balance being both a guide and a companion, helping their children navigate modern challenges while fostering a healthy and supportive relationship.
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Parenting often comes instinctively to most individuals. It isn’t necessarily something one must study. While parenting classes can certainly be beneficial for many, making them compulsory is not essential.Through my parenting therapy program, I’ve guided and supported numerous parents as a life coach.
Without question, parenting sessions can transform the lives of both parents and children.One of my clients, a single mother, sought my help because she felt unable to manage her son alone, regardless of her efforts.
During her sessions, I identified the core issue that was hindering her parenting approach. Her son continued to blame her for not having a complete family.
In an attempt to comfort him, she often made up stories to keep him happy. Once I discovered this, I advised her to be honest with him and also to speak positively about his father, as I didn’t want the child to develop resentment toward him.When her son confronted her again a few days later, she finally sat down with him and revealed the truth—that his father was unfaithful. Living with him had been very challenging, but she had no alternative.
To her surprise, her son acknowledged her struggles and reassured her, saying, “Mama, I will always stand by you.”She came back to me the following day filled with joy. Parents aren’t necessarily bad; rather, their methods of raising children may not always be effective.
I could sense her worries and challenges. Parenting classes, however, are most useful for those who are open to improving their parenting skills.
In my experience, many parents struggle with parenting but are unwilling to recognize it or take steps toward change.
Many parents often wonder what guidance they can follow to become better caregivers or to raise children who are more independent and successful.
At the core, every parent wants the best for their child. Mothers and fathers usually adjust and make sacrifices so their children can enjoy the comforts and opportunities they deserve. Yet, as children grow older, they often start feeling distant or even resentful toward their parents.
Once children reach adulthood, many tend to withdraw from their parents, sometimes refusing to spend time with them or show them proper appreciation.
In today’s fast-changing digital world, everything seems to shift more quickly than it did just 15 or 20 years ago. From an early age, kids are more engaged with technology. They are smart, adaptable, and tech-oriented.
We’ve all seen toddlers handle their parents’ smartphones as if they were toys. They are clever, but still just children—capable of tapping on anything by accident. Still, that doesn’t mean parents should completely restrict them from using phones or computers.
Every day, many parents share similar worries with me. For example, one couple from a lower-middle-class background once came to me for advice.
They had only one son and invested everything they had into his education. They fulfilled all his wishes as he was growing up. Eventually, he became an engineer and secured a respectable position at a reputed multinational company.
However, once he moved away to begin his career, he became absorbed in his own world. His parents initially thought it was due to work pressure or the challenge of adjusting to a new environment, but in reality, he simply ignored them.
Days would go by without him making a call or answering theirs. He enjoyed spending time with his friends so much that he began to view his parents as a burden.
Financially, he provided no help. His parents, who had already exhausted their savings on his education, were left in a vulnerable state. Whenever they reached out for assistance, he refused to respond to their requests.
The father eventually fell into depression because of his son’s indifference. It was during this painful time that they came to seek my help.
It is truly heartbreaking to witness children treat their parents with such disrespect and unkindness. They often forget that their parents are the very people who gave them life and guided them along the way.
Learning spaces play an essential role in supporting development. Play Labs are designed to promote exploration and learning, featuring child-centered details like low windows and designated areas for different types of activities, such as pretend play, music, art, and reading.
At home, however, caregivers don’t need a separate room or special furniture to encourage learning. Instead, everyday areas can be transformed into learning spots, such as a cozy corner of a living room or a spot outdoors. Think about assigning spaces for specific activities—for example, a table for drawing and crafts or a clear floor space for playing with toys. With creativity and imagination, caregivers can shape safe, stimulating environments that nurture children’s learning.
Parents and caregivers come together every few months to brighten up learning environments and craft developmentally suitable playthings using resources from their surroundings. For instance, in East Africa, families shape banana leaves into dolls, skipping ropes, and balls, while in Bangladesh, families mold clay into fruits and vegetables for an imaginary marketplace.
For young children adjusting to learning at home, ordinary household objects can serve as playful learning tools. Common items like flour, dried rice, beans, pasta, or shaving cream are great for sensory activities. Everyday kitchen supplies such as pots, pans, spoons, and plastic containers can be transformed into musical instruments, stacking toys, or props for pretend play. Natural objects like stones, leaves, and flowers can inspire art projects, scientific exploration, or games involving sorting and counting.
Recent studies suggest that play fosters resilience and helps restore a feeling of stability for children in crisis situations. To support their growth, Play Labs emphasize interactive and engaging activities instead of rote instruction, and caregivers are encouraged to join their children in play at home to strengthen social, cognitive, and language skills.
Even when children’s routines are disrupted, play can provide a renewed sense of stability. Instead of relying mainly on structured, adult-directed tasks, caregivers can introduce spontaneous and self-directed play at home. Set aside dedicated time for unstructured play and let your child guide the activity. Everyday tasks can also become playful learning moments—for instance, cooking or baking can reinforce math concepts, while sorting laundry can help practice colors and categorization.
A caregiver’s emotional health plays a crucial role in their child’s wellbeing. In Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where our Play Lab approach has been adapted to assist children impacted by the Rohingya crisis, mental health support is a key component. BRAC equips teachers to identify signs of emotional strain in both children and their caregivers. When needed, teachers guide family members toward specialized services.
With significant changes in parenting, work, healthcare, and daily routines, many caregivers are experiencing heightened stress. It is essential to recognize and address stress and anxiety not only in children but also in ourselves. Managing your own stress through practices such as mindfulness, physical activity, or reflective writing can strengthen your ability to care for your child. If more help is needed, resources like online counseling can be valuable. Though this is a difficult and uncertain time, digital tools for support are more available than ever.
Parenting programs carry only advantages and no drawbacks. Still, it should be left to parents to decide whether they wish to enroll in such sessions or not. These classes may not hold much value for parents who already feel confident in their abilities.
I would personally support programs that emphasize a free-range parenting style, though I realize some individuals might strongly disagree. While religion may be central to child-rearing in certain households, I would choose not to include it. There are numerous approaches to raising children. In my opinion, any method that imparts essential life skills while ensuring children are well-nourished, protected, and happy—without the use of physical punishment—can be considered effective. At the same time, we must avoid using these classes as a means to force our personal beliefs on other parents.
When it comes to parenting, there is never a universal formula. Parents must constantly grow and adjust alongside their children. Each child should be guided according to their unique temperament. Since no single style works for all, parents end up playing multiple roles throughout their child’s life. A foundation of love, care, reassurance, and respect is what sustains the parent-child bond and is vital for the child’s overall well-being. If at any point you feel the need for guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out—I, Ritu Singal, am here to support you in building the deepest and healthiest relationship with your child.