Parenting in the 21st century

One of the most effective ways of learning is by modelling behaviour on examples of prominent people in our lives.

Parents need to be aware of the influence they have on their children’s actions and behaviour. This awareness forms the cornerstone of conscious parenting.

John Kehoe and Nancy Fischer elaborate on this concept in greater depth in their book Mind Power for Children.

School director at Jacaranda Academy, Angela Andrews, briefly summarised concepts from the book which best resonate with her personal beliefs.

“How often do we hear our own parents’ voice echoing in the distance when we interact with our children?” asked Angela.

“We are the product of our upbringing, therefore, it is imperative that parents should embark on conscious parenting.”

Also read: Parenting summed up

The models of parenting instinctively used by some are those of their parents.

In other cases, parents might be so determined to reject their own parents’ ways that they tend to overcompensate.

According to Angela, whether we use our parents’ model closely or overcompensate, by doing the opposite, the fact remains how we were raised has a huge influence on how we, in turn, parent.

She said most of this happens unconsciously.

“Child-rearing decisions should be made with the awareness that who we are is equally as important as to how we interact with our children,” said Angela.

As parents we need to understand ourselves and look within to discover the underlying reasons why we act and behave the way we do.

She said as conscious parents, parents should strive to ensure that parenting practices accurately model the positive example they want children to emulate, but this takes vision and commitment.

Angela believes that being a parent is one of life’s great reminders that we are all indeed human and bound to make many mistakes along the way.

Learning and moving on from your mistakes is key. This must be done in a conscious and loving way respecting both your children and yourself.