Discipline Dilemma : The Parenting Circus

When I reminisce about my childhood, it's hard to forget the strict discipline and physical punishments. As 90s kids, how could we ever forget the memories of our parents employing severe beatings, utilizing a variety of tools like belts, Myir Kothi (a traditional tool to remove entangled hair after hair wash), mashers,  dosa palta, and even a comb that transformed into a weapon of discipline?

Stuides and experts are now against using such approaches and advice shouting or beating children rarely yields positive results and can lead to adverse effects in terms of their behavior or long-term discipline. 

Experts emphasize the importance of open communication and active listening in parenting. However, let's be honest, in today's fast-paced world, do we even have the patience to engage in lengthy conversations with our kids? In my case, after a whopping 60 minutes of trying to communicate calmly, I admit that it's often my final shout that manages to grab my son's attention.

According to studies, shouting at a child for neglecting their homework can lead to a negative attitude towards studying. However, in my amusing observations, whenever I encourage my child with positive words, he magically takes 4 hours and 5 breaks to complete just 1 page of homework.

But when I keep a stick next to him and say the stick will speak if he doesn't finish, he miraculously completes his work in the blink of an eye. Yet, deep down, I can't help but wonder if I'm unintentionally creating an aversion to his studies through this tactic.

Ah, the struggle of parenting! It's like a battle between wanting to discipline my children gently and feeling the frustration  when those attempts don't deliver instant outcomes.

In these exasperating situations, it's hard  to juggle from angry Bhadrakali to calm Zen master.

But let me tell you, from my own experiences, being a cool and composed Dhoni-like parent all the time is quite a challenge. Isn't it? There are moments when shouting becomes inevitable and we're human, after all, and parenting can push us to our limits. 

My friends, is shouting at times okay? Do you find yourself raising your voice at times when dealing with your children?

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Share your inputs in comments. 

Coming back to the topic, As parents, it is our responsibility to raise well-disciplined and emotionally healthy children. While the traditional methods of shouting or beating may seem tempting as quick fixes, they are not productive in their long-term development. It may be challenging at times, but with dedication and perseverance, we can raise responsible and respectful individuals without indulging in harmful disciplinary measures.

One final touch, Children are like tiny explorers in this so called life. They thrive when they have clear boundaries and expectations set by their parents. It's like giving them a treasure map to navigate through their daily adventures. As parents, we should establish crystal-clear rules in a friendly tone.

Work-Life Gone Wild

Life has a funny way of throwing unexpected challenges at us, especially when we think we have everything under control. Like a fearless circus performer effortlessly tossing balls through the air, I prided myself on the balancing art of juggling between personal life and professional life.

As fate would have it, the week that followed turned into an endless cycle of never-ending meetings. Since morning, I had been sitting in front of my laptop, experiencing back pain. As the night approached, the walls appeared to spin around me, engulfing me in a whirlpool of conversations, presentations, and deadlines.

Amidst the chaos of extended work hours, my laptop became the stage for a peculiar performance. Java coding, usually familiar and comprehensible, now danced before my eyes in a foreign language, leaving me bewildered. 

Just when I thought things couldn't get any more chaotic, my son's cries. In a mad rush, I hurried to his side, desperately trying to calm him down and soothe his distress. The exhaustion from work merged with the exhaustion of parenthood, creating a cocktail of fatigue that threatened to overwhelm me.

In the midst of this whirlwind, a message unexpectedly popped up on my screen. It promised a source of income, stating that by allowing a tower to be placed on my house, I could earn an impressive sum of money. In that moment, I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. It felt as though the weight of the world was already on my shoulders, so why not add a tower on my head to complete.

As I pondered the madness that had become my daily routine, a thought crossed my mind. Why do we work ourselves to the bone, day and night, sacrificing our well-being for the illusion of success? 

While outsiders may perceive my work as glamorous, only us "ITians" truly understand the glamorous chaos that lies beneath the surface.

In the eerie depths of the night, as the clock shamelessly struck the hour of 1 am, I found myself standing on the balcony, observing the bustling city as it fell into a hushed stillness on Friday. Even the party hard people must have succumbed to a deep slumber. The highways continued to showcase a few buses and cars. 

Suddenly, the piercing wail of the ambulance siren reached my ears, slicing through the air. My mind warned me that if I continued on this path, I would likely meet my graveyard, succumbing to a heart attack at the ripe age of 36.

In the midst of my own self-reflection, I happened to observe a woman making her way to work. She was a house cleaning lady, starting her work at the crack of dawn, there were countless individuals like her, toiling away silently and tirelessly to support their families. It served as a humbling reminder that I was blessed with an extraordinary amount of privilege.

The sound of the team's meeting ringtone blared through my laptop speakers and I logged into yet another meeting. 

Yes, Life has its way of shaking us out of our comfort zones and balancing work and personal life is a constant struggle, but amidst the pain and laughter, we discover our own strength and resilience.