Parenting Tips: Becoming a parent today is not as easy as it used to be. On one hand, the old generation's wisdom says that too much pampering spoils a child, while on the other hand, the new thinking says to understand children, not scold them. In this situation, most parents are confused about whether to be strict with their children or to treat them with love. Every decision is accompanied by fear – the fear that giving too much freedom might spoil the child, and the fear that too much strictness might break the child emotionally. This dilemma has intensified because today's parenting is not limited to the home. Social media, school pressure, competition, and comparison have put parents in a constant state of self-doubt. Some say gentle parenting is right, while others advise that a child won't improve without discipline.

Should Parenting Be Indulgent or Strict?
1. Changing Mindsets with Changing Times
In the past, strict parenting was considered correct. Children didn't ask questions; they simply obeyed. Today, children ask questions, express their opinions, and show their emotions. Parents get confused trying to understand this change – is it necessary to stop children or to explain things to them?

2. The Fear of Spoiling the Child
Many parents feel that giving too much love will make the child stubborn, defiant, or lazy. Therefore, even if they want to, they can't openly show their love. Guilt arises after every "yes," and fear after every "no."

3. The Line Between Strictness and Discipline
Being strict and teaching discipline are not the same thing, but parents often confuse them. Scolding or punishing in anger seems easy, but explaining calmly is difficult. This is why parents remain confused about the right approach.

4. The Pressure of Comparative Parenting
Statements like, "So-and-so's child is so obedient," or "Look at the grades that child gets," create insecurity in the minds of parents. They start comparing their child to others and then keep changing their parenting style, sometimes being too lenient, sometimes too strict.

5. The influence of one's own childhood
Often, parents make decisions based on their own childhood experiences. Those who experienced strict parenting either repeat the same pattern or do the exact opposite. This confusion also complicates parenting.

The right balance between affection and discipline is the key to good parenting. Children need love, security, and understanding, but boundaries are also essential.

PC Social Media