Being a parent is one of the
most challenging but rewarding jobs anyone could ever adopt. It is the longest
task and responsibility that an individual will ever perform. Parenting is an
active process that demands that individuals use their skills and knowledge
plan, give birth, raise and provide facilities to their children. The parenting
process includes protecting, nourishing, and guiding the child. It involves a
series of interaction between the parent and the child through the life
span.Just as children go through the stages of development, parents also go
through the stages of parenthood that require appropriate parenting stage
responsibilities. These stages involve changing task and roles of both parents
and children.Parenting is not an easy task. Becoming a parent is the easiest
part, whereas, being a conscious and positive parent is a momentous task.
Parenting is the most important role one faces in a lifetime. Parents who
provide an encouraging environment for their children are rewarded when, as
adults, their children realize a successful fit into the culture and
society.Parenting concepts are deeply rooted in Pakistani families because of a
strong, sustained tradition of educating and training young parents to accept,
perform and establish enduring relationships and responsibilities with their
children. Generally, the young mother is introduced to the nuances of parenting
by way of the 'hands on' method at her parental home and under the guidance of
her mother or an experienced family member. This practice could be the reason
why the need for professional parent education usually is not
expressed.Effective parenting enables children to build and develop positive
behaviors and good, solid self-concepts that are important to functioning fully
as a healthy adult. Parenting, as such, is greatly dependent on intra-familial
issues that play a significant role in parental performance. However, parenting
skills can be strengthened if parents learn about themselves as a 'parent' and
about child development. Learning about the stages of human development helps
parents understand about their ever, changing roles in the lives of their
children and also what is expected of a parent at each stage. Parent education,
in terms of learning and practicing good parenting skills to rear and manage
today's children, is essential. Modern-day children are more world-wise, having
been exposed to many more situations than their parents, which may lead to a
feeling of incompetence and helplessness on the part of the parents to manage
their children. The relationship of parents with other members of family,
relatives, and neighbours affects the general environment to which children are
exposed.Finally, a father's love and influence is as important as a mother's in
the life of a child. Fathers should overcome the internal and external barriers
that exist to fulfill the duties of fathering. Positive parenting is the loving
and supportive care provided by both parents. The parenting role has shifting
its paradigm from fear-based to love-based. Positive parenting also can be
termed as 'conscious parenting' or always seeking the betterment of children in
the long run. Children need unconditional love and support from their parents
for healthy development. Rationalizing, reasoning, giving adequate time and
answering questions are essential on the part of parents. These childrearing
practices promote the same future behaviors in their children. Support children
emotionally at times when they need it most, so that they do not feel let down
or alone. It seems likely that a child who feels emotionally isolated senses a
breach of faith and trust on the part of the parents. Accept each child as an
individual with his or her unique gifts and talents. Each child is different
hence comparison with others is unwarranted. Showing positive feelings and
appreciation for even the small work done by the child will encourage the
development of confidence and a secure self-concept.The concept of parenting and
parenthood varies according to region and varies within the rural, urban and
tribal areas in Pakistan.