6 Things To Do to Earn Your Child’s Friendship – Sadhguru

Sadhguru2 minutes read

Parenting should focus on building trust, fostering independence, and creating a loving atmosphere for children. Encouraging creativity, flexibility, and self-discovery is crucial for effective parenting and inspiring children to pursue paths beyond traditional career choices.

Insights

  • Parenting should focus on building a friendship with children, fostering trust, and creating a nurturing environment rather than emphasizing authority and control.
  • Effective parenting involves transitioning from treating children like infants to supporting their independence and self-discovery as they grow, adapting to their changing needs and desires throughout their journey to adulthood.

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Recent questions

  • How did the term "parenting" originate?

    The term "parenting" emerged around two hundred years ago, with John Walmot, the Earl of Rochester, highlighting the shift from theoretical parenting ideas to practical experience with children.

  • Why is building a friendship with children important in parenting?

    Building a friendship with children is crucial as it fosters trust and openness, allowing for guidance and influence.

  • What should parents focus on instead of material possessions for their children?

    Parents should dedicate quality time to their children, focusing on exposure to nature and various forms of creation rather than material possessions like toys or gadgets.

  • How should parents discipline their children effectively?

    Parents should refrain from trying to discipline children through control, as true discipline comes from creating a joyful, loving, and inspiring atmosphere that encourages children to explore their potential.

  • How can parents transition their parenting style as children grow older?

    As children grow older, parents should transition from treating them like infants to fostering their independence and self-discovery as they strive to become their own individuals.

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Summary

00:00

Evolution of Parenting: From Theory to Practice

  • Parenting as a term emerged around two hundred years ago, with John Walmot, the Earl of Rochester, highlighting the shift from theoretical parenting ideas to practical experience with children.
  • Children are not inherently flawed and do not need to be corrected; instead, parents should reflect on the kind of parents they would have wanted at a young age.
  • Parents should avoid placing themselves on a pedestal of authority and acknowledge that their only qualification is arriving on Earth a few years earlier than their children.
  • Building a friendship with children is crucial, as it fosters trust and openness, allowing for guidance and influence.
  • Parents must dedicate quality time to their children, focusing on exposure to nature and various forms of creation rather than material possessions like toys or gadgets.
  • Parents should refrain from trying to discipline children through control, as true discipline comes from creating a joyful, loving, and inspiring atmosphere that encourages children to explore their potential.
  • The education system should focus on making children flexible and sharpening their intelligence and perception rather than preparing them for specific careers from a young age.
  • Parents should encourage children to pursue paths that go beyond traditional career choices, aiming for them to create something wonderful for themselves and society.
  • As children grow older, parents should transition from treating them like infants to fostering their independence and self-discovery as they strive to become their own individuals.
  • Understanding and adapting to the changing needs and desires of children as they grow is essential for effective parenting, moving away from infant-like interactions to supporting their journey to adulthood.

17:20

Inspire admiration, not demand compliance.

  • To be a valuable influence on your children, whether biological or students, aim to embody qualities that make them aspire to be like you without verbal persuasion. Show enthusiasm in activities they enjoy, such as dancing, singing, and speaking, to make them want to emulate you, fostering a natural desire to follow your example. This approach of inspiring admiration rather than demanding compliance will lead to a genuine connection and positive influence on them.
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