Embrace The Joy Of Parenting

Welcome to "Embrace the Joy Of Parenting: What Parents Need To Know About Parenting." The purpose of this book is to share with you the invaluable lessons, insights, and strategies my wife Kathleen and I have gained from the incredible adventure of raising our seven children-six girls and one boy. In these pages, you will find practical wisdom gleaned from the various dimensions of our children's lives, ranging from their education and career choices to their social interactions, relationships, spiritual beliefs, and much more.

Our approach to parenting hasn't been about a strict set of rules or a one-size-fits-all method. Instead, it has been about building genuine relationships with our children grounded in emotional connection, mutual respect, and shared values. We've made it a priority to spend one-on-one time with each child, making sure that we understand them as unique individuals. Our effort has been to treat them not as mere extensions of ourselves but as separate beings deserving of dignity and consideration.

Our dedication to our family didn't mean neglecting our own growth. I went back to school in my thirties to earn multiple degrees. While formal education is not a must for every parent, the underlying message is that addressing your own insecurities and self-esteem issues can have a profound impact on how you parent. In our case, pursuing further education was a form of self-empowerment, which naturally had a ripple effect on our family dynamics.

Raising our seven children also included teaching them life skills. We made chore schedules, rotated responsibilities, and imparted the importance of contributing to the household. We never shied away from setting boundaries, yet we tried our best to avoid undue control, something I had to unlearn from my Indian upbringing. Learning about the damaging effects of control, especially from my experience working in mental health, we transitioned to a more cooperative parenting style. We call it the 90/10 rule: 90% of the time, we are supportive, optimistic, and respectful, while the remaining 10% is reserved for instilling discipline and accountability.

This book aims to cover a broad range of topics essential for parents. We will explore how your own upbringing and emotional baggage can affect your parenting style, the importance of understanding your children's mental health, and the roles that personality types play in family dynamics. This book also offers advice on navigating difficult conversations and situations, from talking about sex and substance abuse to handling disagreements.

Parenting is neither a sprint nor a marathon; it's more like an intricate dance where sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow, but most importantly, you never stop moving in harmony with your child. Let's start this enriching exploration into the complexities and joys of parenting. Welcome to our shared experience.