Celebrating Failures, Honoring Strengths: Manoj’s Evolved Parenting Style

Creating Deeper Connections

‍
When asked about his parenting journey and the rewards he’s experienced, Manoj shares:
“ I’ve learned many things. My relationship with my kids has gone to multi-step, multi-up levels. We have a very cordial relationship, and I understand them very well. I acknowledge the importance of their feelings, and now we live harmoniously. Life is very harmonious, and I acknowledge them for whatever they do and share with me."

Challenges That Taught Patience

‍
On the biggest challenges he faced as a parent, Manoj reflects:
"My children are in the teenage group, so they show mood swings many times. I had to cope up with their mood swings also. So, this parenting seminar helped me understand how to cope with their mood swings. I learned not to get angry at them but rather to understand them. Listening to them with an open mind has been more important than being angry."

Breaking Generational Patterns

‍ When asked about lessons from his own childhood that influenced his parenting style, Manoj explains:
"Basically, my father was very strict when I was a kid. So, I learned that I don’t want to become strict with my kids because that’s not the right way. I nurture my child for the good qualities and strengths he has. I focus on their strengths rather than pinpoint their weaknesses. I encourage their creativity and curiosity instead of criticizing them. I’ve learned to nurture and not criticize."

Lessons to Avoid from His Own Parents

‍
Manoj shares how he consciously chose to change certain patterns from his own upbringing:
"My father was very strict, and I don’t want to be like that with my kids. I started giving them more love and listening to them. I was not heard by my parents, so I made it a point to listen to my kids more often to understand and acknowledge their feelings. Whatever a child feels is a reality for them, and I validate their feelings. I also share my life with them, unlike my parents who kept a distance. I share my stories with them so they feel encouraged to share theirs with me."

Encouraging Individuality and Uniqueness

‍
On the importance of celebrating individuality, Manoj emphasizes:
"Every child is unique in himself. We need to emphasize the uniqueness of every child rather than comparing them with others. Sometimes, we compare with siblings or mentally compare them with others. We should stop doing that and focus on their individuality. That is my message to all parents."

Becoming a Guide, Not Just a Parent

‍
When asked how becoming a parent changed his perspective on life and goals, Manoj states:
"My goal is to develop harmony with my kids, to have a relationship where we can share each other’s feelings. I want to reduce the distance between us so that when they grow up, they admire me and say we had a good parent."

Learning New Skills Through Parenting

‍
Manoj highlights how his parenting journey helped him develop new skills:
"Yeah, basically, I’ve developed reading skills. I didn’t have a habit of reading before. Now, I read more and try to understand. I’ve also developed the ability to listen deeply to my kids, which is something I’ve learned during this journey."

Brightlife: A Platform That Transformed Perspectives

‍
When asked what motivated him to join Brightlife, Manoj enthusiastically shares:
"I think it’s an excellent platform where parents can share the challenges they are facing. It really helped me develop harmony with my kids. My relationship with my wife has also improved because my perspective about parenting has changed entirely. Earlier, I used to think that kids don’t have feelings, but now I understand that they do, and they need to be listened to and acknowledged. Brightlife has drastically changed my parenting journey."

‍

Key Insights That Resonate Today

‍
On the impactful insights and tools learned from Brightlife, Manoj says:
"Earlier, I used to get angry with my kids. Now, I practice patience and listen to them more. I’ve become more patient, which is the key to success in parenting. I also understand the challenges my kids face, like peer pressure and social media influence. I’ve become a guide to them, teaching them not to follow the crowd but to be an example that others follow."

Adopting a Democratic Parenting Style

‍
Manoj highlights a crucial mindset shift that reshaped his parenting:
"I was always in a dilemma about my parenting style. Brightlife gave me clarity that the right approach is a democratic style of parenting. I adopted a concerted parenting style where I listen to my kids and let them share their feelings. I also share my feelings with them, which has built a two-way communication that fosters trust and understanding."

‍

Suggestions for Future Brightlife Courses

‍
When asked about additional topics Brightlife could cover, Manoj suggests:
"You’ve already covered many important topics, but I think bullying should be addressed. Nowadays, children face a lot of bullying due to social status or peer influence. Covering how to prevent and deal with bullying would be very helpful. Children are often bullied by their peers or because of their social status, and addressing this issue would be beneficial."

A Final Word of Advice to Parents

‍
Manoj’s message to fellow parents is simple yet profound:‍

"Every child is an ultimate child, and we need to focus on their strengths while sometimes guiding them toward a better way to perform. Failure is part of the process, and if a child fails, I celebrate it with them. It's important not to get bogged down by failure."