Author Archives: Vinita Zutshi
What Kind of Parent Are You?
If someone were to ask parents this question, they’d get a range of answers: “I’m a strict parent.” “I’m easy-going.” “I’m more of a friend than a parent to my children.” “I just leave them alone unless they are wildly … Continue reading
How to Make Your Child Do What’s Good for Her
“She won’t eat.” “He doesn’t brush his teeth/hair!” “He won’t make his bed.” “She won’t wash properly – the back of her neck is caked with dirt, and she will neither clean it nor let me do it.” “He hits … Continue reading
How to Help Your Child Speak Well: 5 Tips
As a parent, you know that effective communication is one of the essential skills of modern life. Success, whether at school or in a profession; whether in personal or social relationships, depends on your ability to communicate well. Communication means … Continue reading
What I Would Tell My Child if I Could Only Say One Thing
In an earlier post, I had posed the question: “What would you tell your child if you could only say one thing?” Only one reader posted a response: “Let your inner voice be your guide. I love you.” Thank you … Continue reading
How to Get Along with Your Child – Like, not Love
LIKE – such a lukewarm word, so tame; not strong, like LOVE. You love your child; more precisely, you LOVE your child. Love comes naturally to a parent. Nature ensures it – your helpless infant needs you! He depends on … Continue reading
I Have Become an I-Don’t-Know Parent
“Dad! I can ride a bicycle on my own! Look! Look!” Your daughter is screaming, and you’re grinning, bursting with pride. “Wonderful!” you say as you scoop her into a bear hug. “Mom! I made soup and sandwiches for dinner,” … Continue reading
When You Break Your Glass Comb and Your Child Loses His Candy
I must have been 5 or 6 years old. It was the summer holidays, and my maternal grandparents were visiting us. Their visit meant being regaled by fantastic stories, and spoiled with fancy meals, treats and unexpected gifts. One day, … Continue reading
The Trouble with Raising Disciplined Children
I was 8 years old when we moved to a big city. As my sister and I went down to the park in the evening and began to make friends, we got to know a 6-year-old boy. After a few … Continue reading
When Do You Stop Being a Parent?
No matter how much you love your child, this question would definitely have crossed your mind if you’ve been a parent for a few years. There will be days when your child drives you up-the-wall, round-the-bend, over-the-top crazy, and unbidden, … Continue reading
Give Your Child the Gift of Distance
He was 13 when I first met him, a boy suffering from both shyness and acne. I tried to draw him out in conversation. He was polite, but not forthcoming. After we’d met a few times, he became friendly in … Continue reading