Parenting \u2014 what a beautiful, yet challenging journey it is!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When I look back today, I can say with all my heart that parenting is no kidding<\/em>. It demands patience, empathy, self-reflection, and above all \u2014 the willingness to grow along with your child. But I didn\u2019t always know this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Years ago, my elder daughter\u2019s behaviour and academic graph had taken such a remarkable U-turn that it left everyone stunned \u2014 including her school principal. I still remember his surprised voice over the phone, saying, \u201cWhat magic did you do, Mrs. Singal? She\u2019s transformed completely!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Initially, I laughed it off, saying it was all her hard work. But when the principal called again \u2014 and again \u2014 out of genuine curiosity, I realized something deeper had happened. She told me that every time she spoke to me, she felt enriched. One day, she went a step further \u2014 she invited me to speak to a group of parents about what had worked for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At first, I hesitated. I wasn\u2019t a \u201cspeaker\u201d then; I was just a mother trying to raise her child the best she could. But something within me said \u2014 Ritu, maybe this is your chance to help others who are struggling just like you once did.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n So I said yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following week, I walked into the school lobby, a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling inside me. I expected a small group of maybe ten parents. But as I entered the conference hall, I froze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There were around 50 parents<\/strong> waiting!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even the principal looked surprised. \u201cI have no idea how the word spread,\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a moment, my confidence shook. I had never addressed such a big audience before. But then I reminded myself \u2014 this is not about me, it\u2019s about them, their children, and the future we can help shape together.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I smiled, took a deep breath, and began, \u201cHi everyone, I am a parent \u2014 just like you. Today, I\u2019m not here as an expert, but as a learner who found a few things that worked with my daughter. Maybe they\u2019ll work for you too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n And just like that, my journey as a life coach \u2014 though I didn\u2019t know it then \u2014 had begun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I started my session by asking the audience, \u201cTell me, what\u2019s your biggest challenge with your kids?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The responses came flooding in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy son just won\u2019t listen to me!\u201d Everyone had a complaint, but I noticed a pattern \u2014 the\u00a0core issue was communication<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n So, I said, \u201cLet\u2019s do a little role-play. Any volunteer who\u2019d like to become a 12-year-old again?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n A lady named Raveena raised her hand, smiling shyly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPerfect,\u201d I said. \u201cLet\u2019s go back to your childhood. You\u2019re 12, you\u2019re frustrated, you feel nobody understands you. Let\u2019s recreate a typical scene between you and your mom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She nodded, and we began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n MUST WATCH<\/p>\n\n\n\nFacing 50 Parents \u2014 My First Parenting Talk<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe Biggest Parenting Problem: \u2018They Don\u2019t Listen!\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy daughter spends all her time on Snapchat!\u201d
\u201cEven if I take away the devices, she doesn\u2019t study!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n