There is no one-rule-book-fits-all when it comes to parenting. Often, being a “goodenough parent” is the right approach.
This is a typical scenario: working parents, a growing child or children and no time to be “perfect”. Whether you are a working or stay-at-home parent, there is no such thing, say experts. Likewise, there are no model parents, as no two children are the same, says Amelia Mak, Educational and Developmental Psychologist at Think Kids, and on the same count, no two children’s needs are the same. “A certain approach that may work for one family may not necessarily work for another,” she says. “Likewise, family lifestyles may differ according to whether it suits the particular family’s needs or not.”
As parents strive to provide their children with the best of everything, they end up burning out and overextending on time that they do not have.
Amelia says that particularly in this day and age when it is increasingly challenging to balance both the child and parents’ own needs, parents have to learn to manage their guilt. “Some parents worry about not providing the same opportunities as other children and strive to provide the best. But to meet their child’s needs, parents must fill their own ‘emotional cup’ first so that they can, in turn, provide for their child. This may include time for sufficient rest, both physically and mentally, as well as emotionally,” she says.
With that in mind, here are some shortcuts that may not make it to the book of “perfect parenting” yet do not in any way compromise on your children’s good upbringing.
Save Time With Frozen Dinners
Bu hikaye The Malaysian Women's Weekly dergisinin June/July 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Malaysian Women's Weekly dergisinin June/July 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
25 Life-Changing Budget Hacks
Follow these money tips to become the savviest you yet
Why Women Devour Erotic Fiction
Women who read erotic fiction have better sex lives than women who don’t. We look at why turning pages can also help turn you on and discover why women are so aroused by erotic literature in all its forms
Can Superstition Enhance Your Life?
The power of positive thinking and a belief in lucky charms might be all it takes to turn your fortunes around
Know Your Children's Friends
Want to know what makes your child tick? Take a look at their circle of friends – they can offer a surprising insight into your child’s behaviour
Can Sleeping Apart Mend Your Marriage?
More and more couples choose to sleep in separate beds, but this growing trend doesn’t mean the end of a loving relationship
It's Time For South Africa
A country once mired in decades of violent social struggle brought about by racial segregation policies and laws, it has gone through a rebirth and is flourishing like never before
Shiny, Happy Sheila
Cover girl Sheila Sim knows a thing or two about living life to the fullest. The star shares her get-happy formula with us
Adventure With A Cause
Some of us may know her as the lady behind one of the most successful premium laser treatment centres in town, but away from work, Erin Sandral thrives on adventure and seeks to improve the lives of underprivileged women
We Wish You A Pleasant Flight
Other than tense muscles, dehydration and sleeplessness, air travel can affect our bodies in many other ways – here’s what you need to know
Prosperous Delights
Tasty treats during Chinese New Year is all part of the festivities to spread joy and good luck. We asked Assistant Pastry Chef Yap Wai Keong from One World Hotel Petaling Jaya to share with us a few auspicious recipes that will bring happiness to your loved ones.