Life in words
Whispers of Childhood
When a Child Teaches the Parent
-Prasantiram
Are you a parent or a parent coach? Or perhaps a non-parent who guides others in their parenting journey? These days, it seems effortless to claim the title of a parenting coach—whether one truly understands children or not. But pause for a moment and consider this: what if, in this grand journey of parenting, it is the child who becomes the true teacher?
There comes a moment in every parent’s life when the roles subtly shift (reverse) —when the teacher becomes the student, and a child’s unfiltered honesty offers wisdom beyond years. We enter parenthood convinced that our role is to guide, instruct, and mold. Yet, in their small hands and vast emotions, children hold lessons we never anticipated.
Parenting, in particular, has become a frequent topic for these individuals.However, parenting is not simply a collection of tips–it is a deeply rooted resource.Parenting is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. No child or parent comes with a manual; it is an organic, evolving process that requires thoughtful guidance.There is no ultimate handbook, no universal rulebook.I mean there won’t be any manual to define each child. Every child is unique, every home is different. In the past, joint families and elder generations often played a vital role in providing this support.
Strangely enough, our parents had no parenting coaches, and they raised us just fine. Did yours? The wisdom of elders, once an invaluable compass for young parents, has been drowned out by self-proclaimed experts whose credentials often stem more from marketing strategies than real-life experience. While authentic experts provide real guidance, an alarming number of influencers thrive on curated facades rather than genuine insights.
Today’s generation often places more trust in parenting coaches than in their own parents. Instead of seeking wisdom from those who raised them, many turn to external sources—parenting coaches, books, and experts—hoping to find the answers they never trusted their own parents to provide. Some do this out of guilt, afraid that acknowledging their parents’ wisdom would mean confronting the parts of themselves they once tried to hide. Others believe that breaking away from their parents’ approach is the only way to ensure their children grow up differently.Others carry hidden insecurities about their own upbringing, believing they must break patterns rather than learn from them.Wisdom isn’t found solely in structured advice or polished theories; it also lies in real-life experiences, in mistakes learned from, and in love that was imperfect but true.
And yet, an entire industry thrives on selling parenting formulas—often polished, prescriptive, and paradoxically contradictory. The commercialization of parenting advice is at an all-time high, transforming an intimate, evolving process into a neatly packaged commodity.But can parenting truly be learned through viral content? Can a stranger’s pre-recorded wisdom ever replace the real-time, evolving relationship between a parent and child? The noise of modern parenting advice often drowns out the one voice that matters most—the child’s.
Parenting is no longer about understanding the uniqueness of a child—it’s about following trends, applying one-size-fits-all strategies, and seeking validation through online communities rather than personal intuition.
In today’s world, anyone can become a parenting coach overnight—qualifications optional, but social media presence mandatory. Some weave parenting advice with unrelated agendas—behavioral coaching, career counseling, even real estate promotions. Others build followings by packaging recycled wisdom, presenting borrowed ideas as groundbreaking revelations. The louder their voices, the more parents listen—until the noise drowns out true understanding.
There is no perfect parent—only one who chooses to learn, grow, and love unconditionally.Parenting doesn’t need commercialization; it needs authenticity. Today, with the rise of nuclear families and a diminished reliance on familial wisdom, many parents turn to external sources for help. While true experts are invaluable in addressing real needs, these fakers exploit the vulnerabilities of parents, prioritizing fame and profit over genuine support.Social media has transformed parenting advice into a lucrative industry where popularity often outweighs credibility.
As parents, educators, or even parenting coaches, it is vital that we lead by example. There is a disconnect when the guidance offered publicly is not reflected in personal practice. I have observed situations where well-meaning counselors or coaches, despite their advice to others, struggle to meet the demands of parenting in their own lives. This is not to pass judgment, but to remind us all of the importance of walking the talk, especially when guiding others.
For instance, a close friend of my dearest friend is a parenting coach who frequently leaves her children with others for extended periods, foregoing many of her own parental responsibilities.rarely practicing what she preached. The irony is thick, isn’t it? This highlights a deeper truth: being a coach or counselor doesn’t make one immune to the challenges of parenting. It underscores the universal truth that parenting is not about perfection—it’s about striving to align our values, actions, and intentions as best we can.
Children, on the other hand, are not in the business of selling wisdom—they simply live it. They don’t hesitate to ask ‘why’ when something seems off, nor do they hold back their emotions. They remind us that vulnerability is not a flaw but a strength, that joy can be found in the smallest things, and that resilience is learned through falling and rising again. They love without conditions, without scorekeeping, without agenda.
And yet, while we chase expert advice, we often overlook the lessons unfolding right in front of us.
A child stacking blocks isn’t merely playing; they are mastering coordination, refining patience, and learning problem-solving. A toddler insisting on dressing themselves isn’t just being stubborn; they are seeking independence, practicing perseverance, and building confidence. These small moments, often dismissed in the rush of daily life, hold the essence of true growth.this philosophy reminds us to follow the child.A child’s whisper tells us everything we need to know about their growth and development. to observe, to respect, and to nurture their innate curiosity. It is within these whispers that we witness the magic of developmental milestones: the first time they grip a pencil, button their own shirt, pour water without spilling, or pause before responding instead of reacting. Every small moment of independence is a step toward self-mastery, and every frustration they face is an opportunity for patience and resilience. Are we too distracted to notice?
Parenting doesn’t need commercialization; it needs authenticity. The best guidance is not scripted, monetized, or strategically marketed—it is lived. Parenting is not a performance; it is a deeply personal journey that requires trust, honesty, and a willingness to learn—not from influencers, but from our own children.
Perhaps the real question is this: Are we listening to the whisper? Are we learning from what he or she says?
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