A friend is due to give birth to her first baby in February.Exciting times. The little one will have had enough of nine months in a warm, safe and cosy environment. It is time for an adventure, to be on the move.

​

My friend will be engaged for hours in some intense mindfulness of breathing to facilitate the journey of the little one into the big world.

The role does vary even in neighbouring countries. I gleaned from the magazine article these 12 points. Some points might be relevant for mothers anywhere.

​

12 POINTS FOR A PARENT TO REMEMBER

1. Vegetables serve as the basic food.

2. Mother chooses what her children eat

3. Kids drink water at meals. A jug of water is put on the table

4. Ask children to avoid interrupting parent(s) and vice-versa

5. Best cakes and biscuits for children to eat are the ones made at home with the help of the kid (s).

6. Give children meaningful chores

7. Parents lets her child (children) know she has a life as well

8. Dress well rather than neglect oneself.

9. Children cannot barge into mother’s bedroom at any time

10. Never argue with partner, family or friends in front of children

11. Say Yes often and give reasons but should not be afraid to say NO and explain why.

12. Know the power of staying calm as proof of skilful parenting.

13. There are limits to every culture. A thoughtful person acknowledges the benefits within a culture but also looks outside the culture to see alternative ways of responding to situations.

14. A growing number of us have seen the cultural limits, as well as the dogma within our culture, and enquired elsewhere. The search includes spirituality, religion, philosophy of life, mind/body harmony, medicine, exercise, music, sustainable living and so on.

15. Parents have been told zillions of times, due in part to the views, if not dogma, in psychoanalysis and pyshotherapy that the roots of all our problems are in our upbringing.  No wonder so many parents become so fearful bringing up their children.

16. Children will ask deep and profound questions about life, change and death. Make sure you find ways to respond to their questions so you nourish their inquiry.

​​

May all parents and children live in peace and harmony