USING A SCHOOL COMPETITION TO BUILD CONNECTION WITH YOUR CHILD

As a matter of fact any project or competition in school that needs parental involvement carries with it immense possibilities of connection building. So much so that connection building is all I aim for, winning a prize takes the back seat over the list of priorities! 

The earlier we plan the better it is, since we have lots of time and can do away with panicking! However there also is a lot of learning doing things at the end moment. Especially it trains us ( both parents and children) for sprint! Cool mind, quick ideas, limited resources( since there’s no time to buy extra), a smart plan and quick action! It really gives me a kick! But truthfully, the results are devastating as connection building is lost over the counter, there’s no fun time while practicing and preparing, the child most likely forgets, the chances of winning are highly bleak! It’s way more lovely to plan and start early! You might not get the kick but 

Just giving you an example, upcoming is a speech competition in my daughter’s school on the topic “One day in life as a mobile”!

As we sat casually I just asked her how it would be if she were a flower for one day. “No, I wouldn’t like being a flower. Anyone can pluck me off” 

“Would there be something nice about being a flower?”

Quickly enough 

“ ya! I would stay fresh all time, not needing bath nor going to school; that would be nice But still I don’t want to be so susceptible to be plucked....so overall a No, from my side”

Rejecting my proposal to be a flower!! 

She insisted on my turn this time to think over and she asked me how it would be like to be a sun for a day! 

I put across my scattered views! 

The best part was that we were infusing the imagination with our feelings. It was such a fun. 

Instead to writing a short speech and making her mug it up, I started it this ways! It was a wonderful start and I’m also waiting to watch what follows!  

Nothing is as important in parenting as is building a strong parent-child connection! As I promote more talkings, more conversations, more sharing, more feelings I pray you enjoy the journey all way long..!!

Dr Garima Shivhare

Olive Green Parenting Clinic

DON’T DISMISS THE FEELINGS OF YOUR CHILD

It puts me in a state of self check as I share with you my latest realisation! 

I realised how many times I simply refused to agree to what my daughter said she felt! She said she was sleepy and I reminded her with authority that she was not really sleepy, just a little tired! 

She said she was hungry and I refuted saying that she just had sandwich! 

She said she didn’t want to attend dance classes and I started reminding her everything she ever said and did to prove that she really liked dancing!

.....And the list can go so long! 

Realisation was there and it demanded some substantial action! I appointed a part of my mind to keep a check on my responses! I am improving but it’s taking time! I’m curbing my desire to correct, advice and judge! 

I realise all over again how this behaviour of mine can induce self doubt in her personality! I want her to stand for herself but my words are working towards making her realise that she is not capable of judging her feelings and can’t conclude her own state of mind!!! 

Listening needs so much more practice and I’m practically working towards improving the same! 

God bless you all with fabulous loving families, cherished memories and a bond that’s everlasting! 

Dr Garima Shivhare

Olive Green Parenting Clinic

WOMANHOOD: WISDOM & COURAGE

This comes with a realised fact that parenting is way more about a woman than a man!! 

A woman is simply beautiful. The way she's been made is really amazing. Not what is visible but that what is subtle that amazes me all the more. Two kinds of woman really impress me: one is the courageous Rani Laxmi bai of Jhansi and another is the sharp minded Mareena of Alibaba and 40 thieves! 

More than being a woman, being a human impresses me all the more. Chanakya, Birbal and millions of stories of Panchtantra and various freedom fighters touch my core. I aspire to have a part of these immensely wise and courageous personalities in me. 

But that doesn't stop me to look at the mirror...mirror that really reflected me, the whole of me!

In life it doesn't matter what cards you got; what really matters as what you made if it and how you played with it! 

A part of wisdom that is important is to foresee the possible outcomes and act in ways to promote the favourable ones and to avoid the unfavourable ones. 

Nothing beats wisdom!! 

There ought to be a mirror that reflects wisdom within us, and we also need make up to accentuate the same! 

Courage is instinctual as well as environmental!!! In my case it's completely a learned asset! I've been a coward all my childhood. 

Many a times I used to hide my meekness behind my goodness, my incapabilities to answer back behind my patience and tolerance. One day I decided to go bare and realise for good how weak I am emotionally. I  needed that specific psycho-critical mirror that moment. 

Realisation is the first step towards overcoming, fighting our own instincts, winning over them and a complete mental shift leading to surprising metamorphosis! 

The new me was amazingly lovely, admirable and worthy of so much self boost! Courage is an asset! It is that kind of jewel that shines through personality. 

There's lot more adorable aspects about being a woman, but courage and wisdom certainly sets you apart from the crowd! I wish I could have a mirror that reflected these aspects of ours!