Thoughts on Parenting 101

For the first 3 to 4 years of life, little children predominantly function with their right brain (more emotional side of the brain). It takes a while for the left brain (more logical side of the brain) to catch up and start communicating with the right brain. For this reason, little children predominantly live based on their feelings- they want what they want when they want it.

When a child cries after falling, we may be tempted to simply say “that’s nothing, big boy/girl”. When we do that, we suppress their emotions. It is important to first acknowledge their emotional state or feelings and provide responses that can help them navigate the situation with or without our help. Parenting involves helping little children make sense of their feelings instead of disregarding their feelings.

We must engage in right to right brain communication to help little children make sense of their feelings and situations, and reduce frustration in parent-child relationship. Sometimes, we have to think like a child and enter our child’s world. When we do this, our children feel understood and confident.

Just like Jesus entered our world, came down to our level, and experienced what being human feels like; we must come down to our children’s level, hold them in mind, and learn to communicate with our children based on their functional emotional developmental capacity. Believe me, it works and reduces frustration. It tells them- “I understand you.”

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)

Would you like to become a member of God’s family? Please say the prayer below and let me know about it here.

Say this: Heavenly Father,
I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe you exist and you sent Jesus to die for me. I receive your love and forgiveness. Reveal yourself to me. I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Amen

Welcome to God’s family!

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