Showing posts with label Parenting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parenting. Show all posts
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| Source: Freepik |
It's not very uncommon, we rely so much on adults we know to make our life run smoothly, to a certain point in time. In that point, we all realize that we must start taking care of ourselves and start taking our own decisions.
My mom and dad took care of almost everything in life, till I finished my engineering degree and had to leave my town for work. Be it my laundry, taking care of my health when I'm sick or making sure I eat properly, my parents took care of everything. I was really scared the first time I left home for work. Bangalore! New environment, new people, the new type of food made me feel extremely uncomfortable. I stayed in a hostel, where I had to take care of everything on my own. Right from keeping the room clean, cooking my food and laundry. Days passed by. I worked for a telecom company for a year. I decided to do my masters in Hyderabad.
Life in Hyderabad didn't suck as much as of the life in Bangalore. It was quite comfortable. People, food, environment and preferences were quite similar to that of Tamil Nadu. Days passed up. I was feeling very comfortable with life. Dad and Mom used to send money, that I used to happily spend along with friends. No responsibility whatsoever. I was on my way to complete my masters. That's when it all happened. Dad had to go through a tough phase in his business. I realized the challenges. I told Dad that I've taken up a job and he need not send money for my expenses. That's when I met my brother Surya, a distant relative of mine. He's the one who made me realize that I've no idea what I'm doing with my life. Since I was too comfortable in life, there came the time I had to lead my life without the support of my parents. I was also in a situation to help them out.
My brother is the one who taught me some very important lessons in my life. He taught me to assume responsibilities. Gone are the days, you had to rely on your parents. Now it's the time they rely on you and they won't just do that, you got to give them the confidence that you can take care of them. He also taught me that I cannot rely on anyone ever in my life. That's the mindset I needed to have. If your room is messy, clean it up. If your vehicle is dirty, clean it up yourself. Every time you do that, you'll realize the amount of money you're saving. I would like to say, taking responsibility isn't always fun. Sometimes it requires you to things which are often tedious, boring, time-consuming and frustrating. However, when you get habituated, you get the confidence that you need not depend on anyone ever in your life. My brother is also the one who taught me to have a road map in life and never run in the dark. When you run into a problem, you should know how to solve it yourself without having to call someone for help. There will be times, you'll have to make serious decisions. You cannot expect someone to help you out. You should be capable of handling those decisions yourself.
My brother Surya is the God to me. He came at the right time in my life, made me realize where I was going wrong, gave me the confidence to assume responsibilities and handle things on my own. That entirely changed the way I look at my life. I'm grateful to him throughout my entire life.
Check out this beautiful short film made by HDFC Life, to see how a dad helped a little girl to grow into a better and self-reliant person.
For more information on HDFC Life, visit http://www.hdfclife.com/
Apno Ko Apne Dum Pe Jeena Sikhao | An Initiative By HDFC Life
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| Source: Freepik |
A vacation is all about fun and happiness. And when it's with your kids, the experience just can't be described in words. From my experience of going to several vacations as a father, I would like to share few tips which might help fellow parents to make their vacation with kids, a pleasant experience.
I'm not gonna relax:
We might have seen few movies where kids are extremely well-behaved and listen to their parents by being calm and following instructions. I'm certainly aware of the fact, my vacations are not gonna be like that for at least 20 years, till they become an adult. Gone are the vacations I went just to relax. This vacation I'm planning with my kids will be filled with fun, with me just doing what the kids expect me to do. Dance with them in the rain, play foot ball in the beach, wave my hands at them when they go on a happy fun ride, eat an ice cream in the middle of the night and a lot more.
Shipping the supplies ahead of time:
This is my favorite tip for all the parents like me and especially if you're one among those who fly to your vacation destinations. None of us want want our suitcase jammed completely with snacks, diapers, wipers and toys right on the day of our journey right? It's always better to check with the hotel we're gonna stay and ship the packages little ahead of time, so that you can make optimum use of space in the luggage on day of the travel.
Try not to fly if you've naughty kids:
Though I always prefer to fly, it's not advisable for folks who've got naughty kids who tend to get little cranky and shout in air planes when their demands are not fulfilled. Road trips are great in those cases and kids do love road trips. If air trip is something that can't be avoid, be sure to carry lot of snacks, toys, iPad loaded with their favorite movies or whatever it to takes to keep them engaged.
Stay at a nice and kid friendly place:
As an unmarried bachelor, it's good to stay at beach shacks or a cost effective motel. However if you plan for a vacation with kids, it's better to choose a nice, cozy and a kid friendly hotel. I usually choose hotels with lot of outdoor/indoor games for kids and toddler pool is a mandate. If the climatic condition isn't suitable to roam around, this option would keep the kids engaged and your vacation will not disappoint them, after all a good vacation is about everyone being together having a good time at one place.
Don't worry if the kid doesn't like the place:
It has happened to me quite a few times. We tend to get over board some times, if the kids doesn't like the vacation all of the sudden, after we've put in quite a lot of effort to arrange it. It's completely okay if they don't like it, as few kids might not get adjusted to a new place quickly. Figure out something which your kids love the most. It could be just walking down the road or eating an ice cream or just playing a game of cricket inside the room. I'm sure the kids will appreciate the effort you're taking to keep them engaged.
Do dress up your kid:
Just like us, kids would love to dress up nicely in a place. I've tried it quite a few times and it has worked out pretty well. A cow boy costume isn't a bad idea for your baby boy on a vacation right? Try different costumes and leave the choice to your kid to freeze the final option.
Check out Teddy Travelogues, an iniatitive by Club Mahindra for the kids and by the kids - http://membership.clubmahindra.com/TeddyTravelogues/index.html
Teddy Travelogues | An Initiative By Club Mahindra
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