If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is “Thank you”, it will be enough.

 

If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is “Thank you”, it will be enough.🙏🙏🙏

My heartiest sense of gratitude to all my patients who have been my inspiration, my readers who inspired me to continue writing with their positive feedback and the team of editors who helped me put across my words at the end of the series of 52 articles.

As we are approaching the end of 2021, the year has many stories to tell – stories of consequential moments of the year. People left jobs while organizations began returning to offices. If 2020 was ''unprecedented,'' then this year was a roller coaster ride. As we look back, 19th March 2020 - We started facing a global health crisis like one never seen before. COVID-19 was killing people, as well as attacking the real economy at its core – trade, supply chains, businesses, and jobs.  Entire countries and cities were in lockdown.  Borders were closing.  Companies were struggling to stay in business and families were simply struggling to stay afloat. Our human family started feeling stressed and the social fabric was being torn, especially children.

         Exactly during that time I received a call from a parent of 8 year old child. The child was constantly threatening her parents to jump out of the window or of running away from home….people were suffering, sick and scared.

         This was also a year when the world saw economic global recession and rising depression amongst adults, children at an unprecedented rate

More than ever before, professionals like us needed solidarity and a path forward to deal with the situation to give some hope to families and parents.  I offered an urgent and coordinated response to this global crisis faced by the young adults. Created new norms for kids. new normal for kids

I drew a mind map to get my thoughts on paper and explore connections and relationships between parenting and wellbeing of kids. I was surprised to pen down pieces of information that were hidden with me for more than thirty years.

Based on all you’ve read about child development from my articles - I found three critical areas for the wellbeing of the next generation

First Phase - The journey of new born starts from the womb of mother. This came to light with my article on anshucentre.blogspot.com importance of happiness during pregnancy.  

The early years are critically important because they set the foundation for all the brain development that follows. A solid foundation is the best start to life. Integration of all senses, stress free mind, body, and parental thoughts influences the child’s development. Parents should also understand that early experiences and interventions are important. Acceptance and inclusivity help kids move from disability to ability.

 

Second Phase –Journey from childhood to Adolescence

understanding your teen's emotional health

Parents know their own children better than anyone else does. However, the more they learn about child development, the better they will be able to understand and appreciate their children.

Parents should also realize that no two children are alike. Carefully observing their children and respecting and valuing each child’s particular areas of strength and weakness allows them to capitalize on the former and shore up the latter.

Parents should learn to respond sensitively to their children. A child learns to trust the person who sensitively interacts with him or her, and this trust, in turn, provides a firm foundation for all of later learning, growth, and development.

Third Phase – Adolescence to Young Adult

am i responsible for my aging parents and my grown up kids

The most powerful thing you can do for your child is to provide loving, supportive care. Nothing gives your child more confidence and security than knowing that you love them, will take care of them, and will keep them safe from harm.

It is important to discuss balance of time and emotions in a relationship to fulfil everyone’s expectations and responsibilities towards one’s own life.

Key pointers are

• Build a strong attachment with your child

• Role model and support self-regulation

• Parent with positive discipline

As a parent, keep yourself at the top of your pyramid find a way to get it in your day-to-day because it will make you a better and more relaxed parent.

🙏🙏

Life comes to a circle as your young child becomes responsible adult and starts their own family while taking good care of parents

Life comes to a circle again when the role keeps repeating

 So I thought of ending at this moment, with this being my last article in the series that I started in 2020. Nothing changes much – it is important to make your today and every day the best, the future will follow.

Life itself is your teacher and you are in a state of constant learning. 

Once again time to say good bye with gratitude till we see again.

By

Dr. Mona Shah

Occupational Therapist, Clinical Psychologist.