It's been a while since I wrote anything. Parenthood struck
15 months back and life has been a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. It
was all new to me and took a while getting used to.
In the midst of the heart melting coos, cuddles, hugs and
giggles, and the heart wrenching tears and sleeplessness (sigh!), life was
going ahead in full steam!
Now that I have had some time to get a handle on things, I
wanted to put into writing some thoughts about the child raising process that
have been going through my head. Those near to me would know that the
environment and its conservatism is something that I hold very close to my
heart. How we can inculcate that in our little one is something that I would
like to ponder aloud.
Something I realized even more after being a father is the
immense responsibility and the influencing power that parenthood brings. The
little one adores, tries to copy and learn things continuously from the
parents. Not just the things that you are trying to teach them, but the things
you just do! This is where I believe the power of choice you possess, to do
things right even when you think you are not being observed or doing the
inconsequential things with due diligence that come into picture. Let us look
at a few of real life scenarios that took place.
When it was time to put the little one in Daycare, we
scouted around a lot. There are a lot of convenient institutions, and daycares
close by. However, they did not work for us. Why? Because they did not align
with the ideals we deem important. So any daycare that had a TV or a screen was
a strict no for us. We searched around relentlessly, until we found a place
which had a similar thought process - food sourced organically from local
farmers, believes in outdoor play and interaction, no screen time, and eating
right with no junk food. The thought is to repeatedly showcase to our little
one that sometimes what you want may not be the most convenient option, but if
it is something that you care for, you stick to the ideals!
Another instance I wanted to write about is the 1st
birthday celebration that we had for the little one. We had a no gift policy
and invited everyone who wanted to be a part of her celebration into a
volunteering experience. We volunteered at a place that provides
basic need items to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness,
fleeing domestic abuse etc. We ended up having a great time volunteering. We
did go to a park and have cake and a grill out afterwards. However, the thought
was to expose everyone to an experience and being aware of the world and being
a contributor to a positive change rather than having an outside opinion on it.
It doesn’t have to be significantly big things. It can be
small things. Each time we go out to a restaurant (and trust me we do that a
lot!), we say - ‘Water, no ice and NO STRAW’. We get a lot of confused looks.
However, we persist. The hope is she picks up on these small things that have a
major impact.
Similar is the use of packaged drinking water, shopping
bags, plastic toys, the list goes on. Being mindful of your own activities and
setting the proper example is what I believe is going to be or utmost help. Reduce,
reuse, recycle and repurpose - and do it because you want to rather than you
need to. Let the kiddos grow up seeing this and it being a part of their day to
day life and enjoying it. Let that be the norm. Once they grow up they might
get to these conclusion on their own, or they may not. How about until they
grow up and reach a conclusion on their own, the norm be that of environmental
consciousness. The intention is definitely not to take the fun away. The
thought is more to have loads and loads of fun when being mindful and enjoying
the environment as well.
There might be areas where we are lacking as parents. That
is but a certainty to any parent that is out there. However, if you are certain
of the core ideals that you have or want your kiddo to have, be the best
representative of it to the little one. I would need to wait a few years to see
whether she picks up on these traits or not. Maybe I shall write a follow up a
few years down the line. For now, this enthusiastic and optimistic newbie dad
is signing off!
