As parents, we love our children more than we could ever express. We want to be there for them whenever they need us and support them in whatever way we can. However, sometimes our actions betray our words. Our emotions can get the best of us and our body language speaks volumes even when we’re mindful of what we say. Unfortunately, children often pick up on these unintentional signals, which can later have a dramatic effect on their well-being and development.

Parenting can often be a complex journey that is rife with diverse experiences, but the destination we reach may sometimes be a wrong turn that we make when we let our emotions take the wheel. It is indeed important to be mindful of what we say to children but is also equally important to be conscious of the environment that we create for our children.

Children must feel secure and happy, to be honest about how they feel and what they want to do.  However, when we don’t respect their emotions, we cater to their doubts instead of their confidence. When we shout, yell or get annoyed, we contribute towards creating an atmosphere that a child may not find supportive. Therefore, it becomes incumbent on parents to educate themselves on how to create a conducive environment for their child’s growth and development.

What we often fail to take into consideration is that children start developing much before we take notice of it. 4 weeks after conception, the neural tube along the baby’s back starts closing and the baby’s brain and spinal cord begin to develop from it. Thereafter, the heart and other organs also start developing. Structures necessary for the development of the eyes and ears start forming too. By the 10^th week, the baby is a recognizable human and starts developing features that will be evident at the time of its birth. Babies begin processing information much before they are born; studies have found that babies start to listen and learn words while still in the womb.

Are we being careful with regards to the information that we provide to these developing children? We need to plan to become resourceful parents even before a baby is born. We need to ensure that the stimulus that we provide to our children helps further their growth. It is at this point that we need to ponder over how we can be resourceful parents.

We need to be mindful of more than just what we say; we need to take into consideration how we feel because our emotions, in turn, will affect the way we act and how we make our children feel. Although the concept seems simple, it’s a complex process that requires continuous effort and practice.

Training ourselves to be mindful of our emotional states and body language, especially when we’re caught in dicey situations, can aid the development of children. By focusing on our emotional states, but not giving in to them, we set a precedent for us to be honest and supportive. Being a resourceful parent is about taking control of your emotions and reacting appropriately while keeping in mind the best outcome for the children. After all, children can tell when we’re honest with them and when we say things we don’t mean. So, to aid the development of our children and ensure that their growth is not hampered by our well-intentioned actions, we need to take a hold over our emotions and respect how they feel. What we say, do and think can affect their behaviour, but it is not out of our control. By becoming resourceful parents and being aware of our emotional states, we can do our best to give our children the care that they deserve.