Parenting is a journey....

 5 ways to bye-bye 2020

2020 was distinctive for everyone including children. It was spent differently, for instance, wearing a mask, following 2-meter physical distance and frequent hand washing were mandatory. The lockdown was encountered first time ever in history, and inconvenient for many people to pursue restrictions, and harder for children in many ways. There are 5 healthy ways for children to say bye-bye to 2020

1. Say goodbye to 2020: At this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, people are stressed and want some happiness and joy. Say goodbye to 2020 with your family, prepare some feast, dressed up nicely and have some photos for officially saying goodbye. This way saying good, affect your feelings and emotions. Many things have to say goodbye to 2020 including habits, way of thinking and more importantly, teach your child that let it go and go

2. Reflect on 2020: Let your child reflect on 2020. Let the emotions and feelings vent, don't forget to validate their sentiments. At this time of the COVID 19 pandemic and end of this year, everyone needs to reflect on 2020. End of this year, the family sit together and reflect on 2020. Don't forget to support each other 

3. Gratitude for 2020: Don't forget to practice gratitude at the end of 2020 with your children. Appreciate and be thankful for whatever you have in your life. Make gratitude a ritual for your family. Children might be grateful for being healthy, having a roof over their head, having support from parents and many other things in their life. Children can write a gratitude note for their parents, siblings, teachers, friends, neighbours and for grandparents for their untiring effort and support

4. Coping strategies practiced in 2020: Let your child focus on the strategies, that helped better cope with the effect of the COVID 19 pandemic. Help them understand coping strategies and also let them realize those coping strategies would benefit 2021. For practical and functionality purposes, prepare a list of coping strategies that help them most and add something new for 2021. For instance, the list has 5 coping strategies, this time you can add 2 more and discuss them with your child. Let them practice

5. Resolutions for 2021: Help your child prepare some realistic resolutions for 2021. Resolutions or goals have to be SMART and realistic at this time of the COVID 19 pandemic. Resolutions will help them to focus on and influence their behaviour. At this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, try to invest something in self-care including physical, and emotional care 

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to comment below

Parenting is a journey.....Winter holidays (part two)

How to spend holidays at this time of the COVID 19 Pandemic: Some fun-loving strategies to follow mindfully 

1. Meditation time: At this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, meditation time is an essential requirement for better cope with the effect of the novel coronavirus. This pandemic not only affecting everyone physically but emotionally too. Meditation time for children, for instance, listening to meditation tune, yoga posture, deep breathing and mindfulness movements. Best timing for practicing, before sleeping and after wakening up in the morning and during the day if the child is not feeling relax or calm

2. Bubble bath: Throughout this holiday season, a bubble bath for a child is a classic idea to enjoy and soothes emotions. Bubble baths can be taken to the next level by adding some calming music, lit some candles and let the children enjoy. This type of bubble bath is soothing and pacifying, let them try it this holiday season

3. Practice gratitude: Gratitude is a natural antidepressant, given the fact that whenever mind shifts or look at the positive side, it releases chemicals that induce happiness, joy and elevate mood. Make it a routine with your child to practice gratitude. It can be practiced before having meals, during a walk, before sleeping and whenever having happy moments, just be grateful and appreciative. Let them write a gratitude note everyday, after spending some time, it will be their habit

4. See older photos and videos: A glimpse of older photos and videos always induce pleasure and happiness. This holiday season, revisiting pictures, photographs, and videos will benefit children to reconnect with the stunning junctures of their life

5. A word of the day exercise: As a mental health practitioner, I would highly recommend a word of the day activity. A word is selected for the day and request children to describe its significance and usage. You can help them to understand it's worth and knowledge. For instance, ACCEPTANCE is the word of the day and let your children interpret, describe and make a sense of it. Here is the tricky part: during the day from time to time, you can describe acceptance, how it affects our relationship, and make our life easy if we accept each other, let them write a note about acceptance. For younger children, let them memorize the spelling. Words can be used for this activity at this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, respect, care, values, kindness, health, resiliency, sympathy, civilization, community, compassion, happiness, satisfaction, siblings, parents and value of a home. You can choose a word according to your culture, values and requirements. It will help a child to better understand and practice values

6. Talk to them about physical and emotional health: This pandemic is not only affecting our mental and physical health but affecting our children's emotional health. At this time of the holiday season, you can discuss dimensions connected to physical and emotional wellbeing. Let them read an article about self care etc

7. Watch motivational videos or listen to a podcast: This holiday season, particularly this time, everything has changed and encountered differently. Watching motivational videos or listening to a podcast, is another way to keep morale intensified at this time of the COVID 19 pandemic. Podcast and videos positively impact children's mood and attitude

8. Virtual tours/shows: At this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, all facilities are terminated but allowing free virtual journeys for the public. Nowadays the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Zoo, Ripley Aquarium and Art Gallary of Ontario allow free virtual tours. let your child explore facilities and enjoy virtually

9. Winter recreational activities: Winter is truly a fun time at this time of the COVID 19 pandemic while staying at home. Weather indicates that upcoming days are filled with snow, children can be taken for snow sliding, making snowman and snow balls to play with. Take your family outdoor while snowing, walk and enjoy mindfully. It's a calming and soothing workout, don't forget to capture these cherished moments

10. A long drive: Preparations are progressing well for welcome new year's eve but it is being celebrated differently at this time. Take your children for a long drive and show them all lighting at the end of 2020. I might be taken children Niagra falls for a long drive 

11. Virtual party with friends: Let your children have a virtual gathering during this holiday season. Children will be connecting via zoom or WhatsApp video call. Let them follow a theme for food, clothing, or wearing a costume. It will be a fun activity for children 

12. Talk to grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins: This holiday season, while restrictions are imposed, children can not visit their grandparents or meet their cousins. Video or audio call is a wonderful approach to connect with the loved one, here or back home

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to comment below

Parenting is a journey.....Winter holidays (part one)

How to spend holidays at this time of the COVID 19 Pandemic: some fun-loving strategies to follow mindfully

At this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, holidays are around the corner and spend differently than before. As a mental health practitioner and a parenting coach, I want to share some fun-loving, helpful and important approaches to pursue mindfully. As a mom of three children, I planned some activities that are already outlined and discussed with my children. You might get inspired by some of the concepts

1. Structure and prepare in advance for each day: It is an excellent approach to plan each day. It will help you to organize a day, once you commencing this holiday season. While outlining, you can ask your children to add ventures for the day that fascinate them. It's easy to open a planner and follow recorded activities. It will convey enthusiasm, pleasure and satisfaction to their life. At the end of the day, children could tick ✔ activities that already performed, it will convey a sense of accomplishment to them

2. Get prepared/ready and welcome each day: This season, while staying at home, after having breakfast, dress up appropriately, do hairstyling and get ready to embrace each day (not in pyjamas or night suits). It might be communicating a sense of readiness, transition, and will bring a desire to accomplish something. It has a positive influence on your emotional health 

3. A daily trek and snapshot of nature: Walk has to pursue religiously, throughout this holiday season at this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, youngsters will be moving with you for a trek and you can add some adventure for them to let them carry their cameras to capture stunning trek and field. Kids will be in the natural environment, connect with nature and spend some time outdoors while maintaining physical distancing and wearing a mask. It will have a positive impact on their physical and mental health

4. Watch a movie that has a moralistic message: There are a variety of movies that teaches valuable lessons and create a positive impression on their young minds. After watching a movie, they can write a reflection and you have a conversation regarding moral teaching in that movie. You can ask, for instance, what is the inspiration and messages are learnt? Movies could be watched during this holiday season, for instance, English winglish, Ramchand Pakistani, I am kalam, Chalk and duster, Hichki, baby day out, Stanely ka Dabba, The Lion King, Elf, Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory, Home alone, Our planet, Finding Nemo, The Bee, Mulan, and 3 idiots. All of these movies have a strong message and have a positive influence on children's well-being. Comment below, what are the movies you are going to watch with your family this holiday season? Your suggestions can help someone to find a good movie

5. Preparing favourite meals for them: This holiday season, at this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, cooking delicious feasts for your family will be a yummy surprise for them. All of their favourite meals can be cooked or baked. Baking is a really fun and highly engaging activity for youngsters. You can find any recipe or video on YouTube, for instance, Chinese cuisine, Italian menu, Pakistani dishes, Russian courses, Hyderabadi meals, Fast Food and anything you imagine. This time soothes taste bud and eats nutritious food. Don't forget to consume fresh fruits and vegetables

6. Play board games every day, at least one: This holiday season is different, try to bring positivity and joy in the family environment and incorporate one game to play with your family daily. Games could be played with the family, for instance, liddo, Chinese checker, Cards, Puzzles and Kids' charades (the fun acting game). Playing these games provoke laughter, enjoyment, happiness at home and also strengthen family ties. What is your family's favourite game that plays together? Feel free to comment below as it might be a source of inspiration for someone

7. One country a day: At this time of the COVID 19 pandemic, I found one country a day activity highly entertaining and fascinating. Select a country and watch its historical and cultural documentary on YouTube or national geographic. Kids will learn a culture, food, currency, customs, geographic location and related information. Kids can track that country on a Google map and calculate its distance, and find neighbouring countries. This activity is free of cost and producing a long-lasting impression on youngsters mind

8. Reading time: This season has to be utilized wisely. You can request a child to read for you and then explain the given scenario. This way, a child will use imagination to explain the concept and on the other side, it will benefit them to develop their comprehension skills. My middle one is skilled at interpreting concepts and the youngest one a soft reader. I appreciate and enjoy both versions

9. Paint some rocks: This holiday season is distinct than before, I and the kids are going to paint rocks for my upcoming blogs and publications. we also plan to paint some emojis rocks, gratitude rocks, positive rocks, and compassion rocks. Painting rocks improve focus, concentration, eye-hand coordination, fine motor skills and releases stress and anxiety symptoms. Same benefits could be achieved through painting, doodling, sketching and drawing. I would recommend these activities for the holiday season at this time of the COVID 19 pandemic

10. Deep breathing competition: If you have more than one child, practice deep breathing competition, for instance, ask them to take a deep breath from their nose, hold it for a moment then blow out from mouth with a whooshy sound. Count their deep breath. Deep breathing stimulates them to release stress, tension, worry or relax/calm them down instantly at this time of the COVID 19 pandemic while staying at home during this holiday season

11. Help them to set their closet: You can teach them a variety of skills, while helping them to set their closet, for instance, how to organize/arrange garments, folding clothes, arrange in a sequence and maintaining a wardrobe. Keep supporting them, one day, you will be surprised 

12. Prepare donation box: Educate them on the significance of donation by preparing a donation box. Any gift items, clothing, books, stationaries, shoes, toys or anything extra or not in use. You can purchase some brand-new articles for donation and discuss their meaning with them (To be continued)

 If you have any question or concern, please feel free to ask or comment below

Parenting is a journey...…Basic ingredients (sequel)

Parenting is a journey.....basic ingredients👪

Effective communication

1. Body language or non-verbal behaviour: Body language carries an influential impact during communication particularly facial expression and gesture. Be mindful of non-verbal behaviour while talking to your children, it has a long-lasting impact on their character building. The way you move your hand or finger, rolling your eyes, shaking your head, shrugging your shoulder, what posture you are in, and the most meaningful and influential is your facial expression

Insight 👀

• your child is briefing you something serious and you have no facial expression or eye contact or with indifferent gesture
• your child is telling you something funny, but you are looking somewhere or having a serious facial expression
• your child is sharing something but you are in a hurry or even busy thinking something else
• your child expressing some negative emotions but you are not addressing it adequately or  not meeting that need on time by showing non-verbal support or gesture 
• your child is sharing a secret but you start rolling up your eyes or start shouting or yelling

Ask these questions to yourself.

1. Do you consider that these expressions are meaningful or facilitate a healthy development or an optimistic state of intellect? 
2. What sort of fulfillment your child is carrying or what kind of frame of mind a child is up to?

As a parent or guardian, you ought to ask these questions to yourself while talking to the child. Do you believe that the next time your child will reach out to you and share something!! ask yourself (communication gap might be leading to generation gap)

Food for thought Have you ever consider that as a parent, what type of body language you like whenever you meet your friends or colleague or relative? This perspective will give you insight and highlight the importance of non-verbal behaviour or communication while speaking to your child

2. Acceptance: Whatever is your child discussing with you or sharing, you have to accept it instead of rejecting it. That's the key to minimizing the communication gap. A child is more open up if being accepted by their parents. Food for thought: A child is always accepted by their friends or peer and as a parent, you always wonder about peer pressure or influence because you as a parent do not accept the feelings and emotions of a child

3. Unconditional regard: Always love your child unconditionally. Never and ever impose any condition for acceptance, for instance

• whenever you follow my command, I respect you 
• or I appreciate you if you keep silent

This way actually you are teaching a child that love is conditional. As a human being, we all need unconditional love and acceptance. What if a child reflects that condition on you?

Food for thought, a child is always unconditionally accepted by their friends or peer, that's why parents are some times incapable to manage peer pressure and complain

4. Identify triggers: As a parent or guardian, it is your responsibility to understand and respond according to the feelings and emotional state of your child. That's the cue you need to address carefully. 

Insight 👀: For instance, a child is crying, sad or silent or emotionally disturbed, as a parent it is your understanding and assessment then respond accordingly

5. Validate feelings and emotions: This is genuinely important, given the fact that as an adult, we also need assurance from other people. It gives an idea that someone understands feelings and emotions, on the other hand, it leads to satisfaction and strengthen relationship. For instance, if you just add these comments during a conversation

• I can understand your feelings
• I know what you mean by that
• I am delighted that you are sharing this
• I am satisfied, the way you explain this.......

6. Reflect on your child's strengths: Whenever your child is conversing to you, find something complimentary and reflect on it. It will boost self-esteem and confidence. Be optimistic. For instance

• I know you are trying hard 
• I noticed that you try to complete assignments on time
• You are such an impressive child
• You always respect people around you

7. Be present with the child: Be mindful while talking to your child, maintaining eye contact and always has a welcoming gesture. Be present with the present moment and respond accordingly

There are four crucial timings of your child and it has to be handled carefully

 

1. Morning time: It's a time when a child transitions from one state of mind to another and need to be handled carefully or mindfully. For instance

• How do you wake your child up?
• How do you greet him/her?
• How is your mood at that time?
• What kind of rituals you follow?
• What type of communication you do?
• What sort of interaction you are up to?

You need to ask these questions to yourself and figure out the most pleasing way to welcome from sleep to wakening state of mind. Do you think, it can make a difference in your child's emotional health. 

A hint can be given to you: 

"Take a deep breath, with a positive state of mind, maintain a pleasant mood and having a smile on your face. Now you are ready to wake your child up"

2. School time: It is even a delicate time to handle carefully when a child going to school. As a guardian/parent, you set the tone for the rest of the day through your behaviour and gesture. What if a child carries a sad mood or moaning, not speaking or listening state of mind and going to school? Do you consider that a child can concentrate or focus on learning?  Think wisely

3. Back home: It has its own significance because your child coming back with lot of knowledge and holding something to share with you. For instance,

• What if you are busy at that moment? 
• What if you are exhausted and having no stamina left? 
• Or you are busy watching TV or over the smart phone? 
• What if you are not at home?

A hint is given to you!

"Always get ready to welcome your child, dress up adequately, tie your hair, and unengaged your self with any other activity, or eat something for good stamina and feel fresh. Now you are ready to meet and greet your child"

Do you believe that it can make a difference? Think wisely

4. Bedtime: It is the crucial moment and retaining long lasting influence in the development of nature and character building. Whatever emotional state your child at the time of sleeping may stay longer. So be mindful at this time. At this point, as a parent, you can easily understand and figure it out the best way for your child emotional and psychological well being

Parenting is a journey..... the motto of this sequel to guide and support the parents' community around the world and make their parenting journey hassle-free and enjoyable. If you have any question or concern, please feel free to ask or comment below

Parenting is a journey..... Basic ingredients

Parenting is a journey....holding multiple folds and every fold has its own perspective and philosophy

The language of parenting carries multiple layers and it is used to represent the character who is taking care of a child, that might be a guardian, custodian, caregiver or caretaker, single parent, or both parents. So the word parenting symbolizes the connection between a child and a parent in the form of guardian or caretaker or biological parents. 

The parenting journey has multiple connotations and intents whereas some required components will make this journey hassle-free, smooth, pleasurable, enjoyable, and satisfying, in the end, every caregiver and guardian needs that peace of mind. Here are some basic approaches to heed mindfully

Effective communication: 

Communication is the key to every connection including the relationship with your children. Communication has numerous pieces /components and manifestations i.e. listening, speaking, and body language. If all pieces are put together, communication might be effective and promote a healthy relationship between a caregiver and a child

Talking or speaking itself has numerous expressions including what/how to initiate conversation, it has many layers and these layers have a significant impact on a child's mental and emotional development. Components are:  

listening: Adequate listening offers a vision to the spokesperson for being heard properly and that vision promotes or strengthens the relationship between caregiver and a child. Anyway, keep in mind while listening to your child:

• Be genuine 

• Maintain eye contact 

• Managing facial expressions 

• Minimizing physical distance

• Do not entertain any other activity

• Concentrate on whatever is being expressed

Adapt listening mood/attitude, gazing into eyes, paying attention, and responding accordingly. This mindset and attitude will facilitate a healthy connection between caregiver and a child and fulfillment of the need of being listened to or heard adequately

Speaking: Here comes the story!

• Scenario or situation truly counts, for instance, the exact sentence carrying a distinct result, if communicated in the playground or at home or while roaming around the community. So be mindful regarding the scenario while speaking to your kid (you can conduct an experiment and have your own discovery)

• The subject or matter you are about to discuss with the child has its own significance, although you have to be mindful to understand the remaining aspects of speaking

• The sentence phrasing and language itself contain many expressions and coatings including vocabulary and wording you picked for communication. Be aware of the selection of vocabulary, always use high-frequency or high energy or high vibrating words or vocabulary, it does not only bring positive energy but also keeps your child's morale high. For instance, interpret these five sentences and it impacts your child's well being 

• You are a good girl 
•  You are a smart girl
•  You are a competent girl
•  You are a brilliant girl
• On many occasions, I discovered that you are a thoughtful and considerate girl

Can you see the difference between all five-sentences phrasing and their vocabulary? Do you think that selection of vocabulary has an impact on your child's emotional and behavioural well-being? Do you think that vocabulary really matters?

• The tone or the pitch of your voice has a mark on your listener, for instance, you are loud, noisy, yelling, shouting, screaming, or articulating softly or holding a tone in a sweet manner, all these styles/tones will retain their own influence on your listener. If you articulate softly and have a sweet tone instead of yelling or being loud, do you think that can make a huge difference? or what is being said and what is being heard?

😊Take your own example, you always enjoy those individuals who maintain a soft/gentle or sweet tone, you always find charisma in their communication and you try to avoid those who always scream, cry or have a critical approach. Think about it!

• How to wrap up a conversation while speaking to your kid? it has a long-lasting impact on the well-being of your child given the fact that the child will carry or absorb that energy and will continue the rest of the day or time with that punch or hit. Always wrapping up with high frequency or high energy sentences, maybe your child is heading to school or moving to the bed for a sound sleep or study or going to work on any assignment. Do you believe that your way of wrapping up communication might carry an impact on the subsequent activity your child is about to get involved in?? Think about it!

Insight 👀

• listening to the parents or caregivers: Nowadays you can listen from parents or caregivers that children do not listen to them or do not pay attention to what is being spoken to them

• Rationale: The reason for the above complaint, as a matter of fact, parents did not realize the significance of listening, so the children did not learn the proper attitude or listening skills from their parents (sorry to say). When they were young, parents did not listen to them properly or missed that listening opportunity 

It was mentioned earlier how much listening and speaking attitude from a communication perspective is important for a child well being and healthy behaviour as well as it has the most significant impact on their life

Topic to be continued......
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask or comment below

Parenting is a journey.......Business Theory of Parenting

 Business theory of parenting 

For commencing a new business, one certainly needs precise planning and research about the new star-tup. Following affairs need to be considered thoughtfully:

• Excellent research and precise planning 
• Decision making or judgment
• Proper education or knowledge
• Training or skills
• Station to start a business
• Require a business site
• Capital or cash flow
• Upgrading
• Hiring process/human resource management

A business can gain a valuable profit if business guidelines follow accurately and properly, the same way parenting is like starting a new business if parenting guidelines follow accurately and properly, valuable profit might be in the form of emotionally stable, physically strong, and psychologically sophisticated children. Yes, it is

Let's analyze 

Excellent research and precise planning: Before commencing a business, it is worthwhile, and no one can deny the importance of research and precise planning regarding various elements of the business, likewise, the approach normally being followed when people plan to be a parent for the first time. They do excellent research and precise planning concerning every single matter 

Decision making or judgment: Establishing a new business, however, one's judgment, analysis, interpretation, and decision-making abilities really matter. The judgment and on-time decision making regarding the business can remarkably affect productivity and growth. Keeping this scenario in mind and think that having a baby certainly need judgment, analysis, interpretation, and decision-making abilities that might be what type of diet to be followed for having a healthy child, which doctor needs to be consulted or which hospital is good for childbirth, not only before childbirth but after having a baby, during his or her development one really needs an in-depth understanding of a variety of affairs

Proper education or knowledge: Education/experience and knowledge or awareness is the key to starting up a business. It gives insight and helps to establish a business with confidence. For parenting, people normally strive to acquire knowledge or educate themselves for a greater understanding of the healthy growth or upbringing of a child. They might read books, follow parenting blogs or join parenting groups or discuss with the doctor or with other parents or friends related to the child upbringing, they try every single effort to get knowledge

Training or skills: Sometimes for a certain business, specific training, or skills required for setting up a business or in some cases, a need arises for training or learning new skills for improving or bringing positivity in the business setting. Likewise, parenting is about to nurture a child's need regarding physical, emotional, and behavioural but in some cases e.g. if the milestones of a child not up to age, parents need to learn new skills or get trained for addressing that concern

Station to start a business: A spot or station has its own significance for starting a new business, many factors might be considering including easy access to public transportation, near to the public area, proper ventilation, construction of the building and associated issues. Before having a baby, parents normally consider a spot for a newborn baby, so parents can reach their baby comfortably and frequently

Require a business site: The business site means here, its physical structure, types of machinery, working station, and the environment really matter, given the fact that's the basic requirement for starting a new business. For a newborn baby, a comfortable physical surrounding is a key for healthy upbringing, that might be a noice free environment, comfortable bedding, ventilation, toys, and textile 

Capital or cash flow: Fund or cash flow for operating a business is the foremost affair given the fact that everything depends on it. Sometimes personal fund is used or most of the time it is borrowed from a bank, it might be vice-versa. For having a baby, ones really require to have enough money to purchase articles of clothing, stroller, bedding, clear bills of the hospital, vaccination, and consequently several related concerns. Parents normally do not compromise for their newborn 

Hiring process/human resource management: Whenever everything is available or arranged, it reaches the hiring process, that's the most influential or significant perspective for operating a successful business. Productivity and business growth depend on the expertise, capabilities, skills, and experience of the personnel, and it links with success. From that perspective, parents consider several determinants including which physician is most suitable for their newborn, baby formula, education, and the baby sitter or child care or daycare is entrusted. Parents do research, ask for guidance or discuss with folks 

Upgrading: Demand for upgrading appears if there is competition in the market, or want to increase productivity or business or want to launch distinct merchandise, there might be numerous reasons concerning that, however, if the business stuck or resistance to the transition of development is observed, it might be linking with a decline in the trade. Upgrading might be in the mode of purchasing supplementary or new devices/instruments, consult a new advertisement bureau, modify or remodel the merchandise or attach innovative patterns, consult an advisory committee,  plus hire new personnel. Parents likewise, require to upgrade their parenting skills to better cope with the demand of the era and promote the positive and healthy development of their generation. Upgrading appears in several manners including studying research related to the cognitive and emotional growth/development of children, following parenting blogs, attending seminars/workshops or parenting sessions, listen to parenting mentors/coaches, reading books, discuss concerns/issues with folks, and seeking professional guidance/advise whenever required including counselling/psychotherapy. Believe it or not, however, upgrading can add a huge difference in the parenting journey. Give it a try. Parenting is really a journey 

Parenting is a journey.........Lemonade theory of parenting

lemonade theory of parenting

For producing lemonade, the following ingredients are required:

Lemon 1

Water 2 cups

Black salt 1 tsp

Mint fresh leaves

Sugar 2 tbs or as per taste

Salt 1 tsp or as per requirement

Ice cubes as per requirement

For making lemonade, you have to follow a few steps, for instance, sugar and salt blend into the water then squeeze the lemon. Now add black salt, mint and stir gently. In the end, mix ice cubes for producing a cool and refreshing flavour. Here you go

The recipe has to be authentic

Every component has to be available

Every ingredient has to be fresh 

The portion size of every ingredient truly matter

It has to be served instantly so it's freshness and flavour maintained

So, carefully explore and investigate the lemonade recipe, the exact metaphor applies in parenting just like making lemonade. BUT HOW, despite the fact, all ingredients and recipe is being used in a notional or metaphorical way 

• lemonade recipe or be a parent: Before producing fresh and mouthwatering lemonade, an authentic or original recipe is required, that's the essential key. The recipe indicates that specific ingredients are required and the exact procedure needs to be followed. Some ingredients might be bought or choose a recipe that the ingredients are already on the rack. This analogy well-fitting in a scenario of being a parent. People usually prepare or plan something before having a baby. Most of the time variety of products are purchased including garments, toys, perambulators, and decorate a room for the newborn. They also pursue some ceremonies or rituals for the safe/secure and healthy arrival of the newborn, for instance, baby shower or special prayers or blessings are offered, whereas it relies on the civilization or culture and the values people are holding or already in. Despite the fact, parents are wondered that how could be sufficiently a good parent, so they occasionally consult with other parents or read books/articles on childrearing or join any parenting group or a parenting center, follow any parenting blog or in some cases, they endeavour taking professional recommendation. Before arriving a newborn, they attempt every single effort to get knowledged or prepared themselves

• Right ingredients or right skills: Creating lemonade, you require the proper ingredients i.e. lemon, sugar, salt, water, etc lemonade can not be created by utilizing mango or potatoes, for sure, you require lemon that's the essential ingredient. The exact way, sugar, salt and water can not be substituted. You have to be mindful while choosing an ingredient that has to be fresh and accessible. What if the lemon is decaying, water is not fresh, sugar stinks or ice cubes are not available, no matter what but refreshed, mouthwatering and delicious lemonade can not be produced or served. Even, skipping a single ingredient can destroy the flavour and all your struggles. To raise healthy, enthusiastic, dynamic, energized, and active children, as parents, you require to choose or select strategies according to the circumstances and a trait of your child (one size doesn't fit all). As it was cited previously, before arriving a newborn, as a parent, you try to understand the significance of adequate parenting but when a newborn arrives, carrying a combination of traits, genes or habits and you as a parent attempt every single effort to nurture or soothe a newborn

• Modify or assimilate recipe or parenting strategies: It depends on the circumstances and the concern arises or sometimes, it depends on your fitness and taste buds. What if, the lemonade is more sweet or salty in taste, for making it tasty or adjusting its taste, more water might be added to make it drinkable, somehow, the taste might be tried to adjust. The exact metaphor involves parenting, most of the time as a parent you modify, accommodate and incorporate strategies for setting up healthy milestones. As a parent, you desire to facilitate physically, emotionally and behaviorally grown up and healthy children

• Parenting is a sequel of phases just like making lemonade: After having ingredients, specific measures need to be taken for making lemonade. Sugar, water, and salt require to be blended first, then squeeze the lemon. Ice can not be mixed with sugar in the foremost stage, what if it is attempted to blend it? The same metaphor applies to parenting, the same way, parenting is a sequence of steps that have to be followed one by one. For instance, when a newborn arrives, as a parent your strategies would be different when a newborn is now a toddler. At every phase of the development, as a parent, you adapt, choose, and modify strategies. As a parent, you can not utilize the exact approach over two different developmental phases of your child. Another significant factor is that as a parent, a child can not be treated or supervised according to the mood and temperament, you are in

• Parenting is a journey: Journey illustrates a metaphorical and notional way of making lemonade but somehow it's a path to discover, understand, develop, and adore dimensions connected to parenting. As a parent, you giggle or chuckle, learn or discover, and live your life again with your children, create remarkable and amazing discoveries. It is a pleasant and untiring journey throughout your life

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to ask and comment below