Nurtured Roots: The Mother‘s Touch in Child Growth

By: M. Tomba Singh
Mother holds an unparalleled significance in our lives. She selflessly devotes herself to her children, ensuring they have everything they need to mature into responsible humans. The foundation of success in many endeavours can often be traced back to a mother’s nurturing touch. The roles a mother plays in our society are countless and invaluable. Many equate her stature to that of a diet, showering her with unwavering respect and devotion. It’s often said that where there is mother, there’s life. However, it’s notable that the young generation of mothers today may differ from traditional mothers in terms of their attitudes and behaviours. This raises concerns about how they will nurture and provide for their children.
A good mother, particularly in the traditional sense, often embodies the virtue, guidance, and unwavering support. These maternal qualities not only shape the early years of an individual’s life but also influence their future ambitions and achievements. For instance, Napolean Bonaparte, one of the history’s most iconic leaders, was profoundly influenced by his mother, Letizia Ramolino. She instilled in him values of resilience, ambition, and pride. Despite facing hardships, Letizia’s strong-willed nature and keen sense of duty to her family played a pivotal role in shaping Napolean’s character and determination. This exemplifies the profound impact that a devoted mother can have on the trajectory of her child’s life.
In contrasting modern educated mothers with traditional mothers of the past, one can observe significant differences in attributes like patience, determination, and willpower. It’s notable that many of Manipur’s renowned personalities, including IAS officers, doctors, engineers, scientists, writers, educators, and politicians, were raised by uneducated traditional mothers. These mothers, despite their lack of formal education, dedicated their lives to their children, often with unparalleled sacrifice and unwavering faith. They seldom complained or criticized their children’s actions, choosing instead to have steadfast belief in their sacrifices. However, in today’s age, some educated and government-employed mothers seem to inadvertently create a distance from their children, especially in guiding them through their education. This emotional disconnect can have long-term consequences as children transition into adulthood. While a mother’s education is undeniably crucial for a child’s development, without the right guidance and motivation, it may not necessarily translate into well-adjusted children. The quality of the future generation hinges on imparting the right skills, and lessons to our children, ensuring they are equipped to lead successful lives.
Concerning an educated mother, she possesses a blend of intellect and wisdom that serves as the bedrock upon which the foundation of a child’s future is built. Beyond the obvious benefits of academic acumen, an educated mother instils values such as perseverance, integrity and empathy. She appreciates the significance of nurturing, fostering an environment where inquiry and creativity flourish. Moreover, informed perspective should enable her to be open-minded, encouraging her children to explore diverse avenues and culture. In essence, her education isn’t simply a collection of degrees but a mixture of experiences, values, and knowledge that she bequeaths her offspring, setting them on a path to success.
Certainly! Here are some tips for an educated mother (or any parent) to help in the healthy growth and development of her child :
· Open Communication : Maintain open communication with your child and encourage them to express their feelings.
· Active Listening : Actively listen and maintain proper eye contact when your child speaks, as much as possible; it validates their feelings and thoughts.
· Set Boundary : While it’s crucial to be understanding, setting boundaries teaches discipline and respect.
· Lead by Example : Children often emulate their parents. Set a good example in behaviour, values, and work ethics.
· Critical Thinking : Encourage them to ask questions and teach them to think critically about their studies and the world around them.
· Avoid Praising Your Child Excessively or Inappropriately in Front of Others : Praising your child excessively and inappropriately can backfire. While it’s essential to commend children occasionally to boost their self-esteem, over-praising might foster an inflated ego, a sense of entitlement, or an overreliance on external validation. Additionally, it can introduce undue performance pressure, with children feeling compelled to always meet heightened expectations. This can stifle genuine self-confidence and intrinsic motivation, potentially leading to future emotional and social hurdles.
· Don’t Always Provide Your Child Comfort Zone : Pushing beyond a comfort zone can lead to growth and new opportunities.
· Encourage Independence : Allow them to perform age-appropriate tasks on their own. This boots their self-confidence and teaches responsibility.
· Routine : A consistent routine can provide a sense of security and help children understand the concept of time and responsibility.
· Social Skills : Encourage your child to interact with peers to build essential social skills.
· Limit Screen Time : While technology is beneficial, excessive screen time can have negative impacts. Encourage other forms of entertainment and learning.
· Physical Activity : Ensure your child gets enough physical exercise, which is crucial for their physical and mental well-being.
Remember, each child is unique, so these tips can adjusted based on individual needs. The most crucial aspect is love, understanding, and a supportive environment.
To be frank, many parents in today’s society, especially mothers, appear to slightly neglect nurturing their children with the necessary affection and care. This can often be attributed to their demanding jobs and family issues. At times, parents may not take the time to understand their children’s thoughts and feelings, which are crucial for their proper growth. In such cases, the children may struggle in their environments. Therefore, understanding child psychology is essential to prevent misconceptions in their perceptions.
In the tapestry of life, the role of a traditional mother is akin to the thread that binds each pattern, bringing warmth, strength, and cohesion, Their unyielding love, steadfast values, and timeless wisdom lay the foundation upon which children build their futures. Through countless sacrifices and boundless patience, they impart essential lessons of resilience, compassion, and integrity. In a world constantly evolving, the enduring love and teachings of a traditional mother remains a guiding beacon for their children, lighting the path towards goodness and fulfilment.
(“Give me an educated mother, I shall promise you the birth of a civilized, educated nation.” from Nepolean Bonaparte in the 18 century holds a significant meaning in human civilization)