As I sit here reflecting on my parenting journey, I am filled with a mix of emotions. Parenting is a merry mayhem, with no rule book to follow. Raising two kids, aged 13 and 10, I am constantly being put to the test. This journey is like a rollercoaster ride full of joys, challenges and learning experiences every single day.

My husband and I are like night and day, I am the rule follower, he is the free spirit. But despite our differences, we both strive to endeavor for the same thing and that is for our kids to be happy, healthy and kind.

Growing up, I did not have the easiest relationship with my father. He was strict and I often felt like my opinion was dismissed. So, when I embraced motherhood, I vowed to create a different atmosphere for my children. I wanted them to feel heard, to know that their thoughts and feelings are valid, all within boundaries.

But let us be real, it is not always easy. My kids have strong personalities, and they are not afraid to speak their minds. I often find myself in an ambivalent situation, where on one hand I have the traditional ways of parenting deep rooted in me and on the other hand I have tried to embrace changes as per the current needs.

One thing I have learnt is that it is okay to mess up as a parent. For my kids I may be a walking “google”, but the truth is I do not have answers to every question, I do overreact at times, I do stumble and fall in a way that I regret, but I am not afraid to apologize to my kids, the same way I expect them to apologize when they do wrong. I convey to them their opinions matter and respect their individuality.

Parenting has taught me to be more patient, more empathetic and humbler. As parents we oversee the lives of children, we are in charge of providing for them, in charge of their overall wellbeing, but at the same time it is okay not to have all the answers and to seek help when needed.

Parenting is a journey not a destination. For a parent, no matter how big the child becomes he/she always remains a child. Enjoy the ride, learn from your mistakes, listen to your children, support them in their dreams and aspirations and never try to live your dreams through them.

Ishita Singh,
Parent Member of the Delhi Private School, Sharjah Community