Salman Asif Siddiqui delivered a detailed lecture on parenting. He talks about the challenges faced by parents in the 21st century. He highlighted a set of questions which can provide solutions to some of those challenges – provided that parents reflect on them and discuss them with their children.
Major Challenges of the 21st Century
- It is the age of information instead knowledge.
- We have accepted networking as the alternative of relationship.
- We think more is less – we are not easily contended.
- It has become difficult to maintain relationship in all five dimensions.
13 Things You Must Know About Your Child
- Who are your child’s favorite people and friends?
- What has made them your child’s favorite?
- What are the top three worries of your child?
- What are the top three wishes of your child?
- What are the unique talents and strength of your child?
- What are the major interests of your child?
- What are the three phrases that your child does not want to hear?
- What are most encouraging three phrases for your child?
- What does your child like about himself or herself?
- What does your child not like about himself or herself?
- What does your child like about you?
- What are the favorites subjects of your child? Why does he/she like these subjects?
- What are your child’s academic anxiety / fears?
7 Things Your Children Should Know About You
- What is the aim of your life?
- Who are your mentors?
- What are your favorite books?
- What are your favorite places?
- What are your life experiences that have made you the person who are you today?
- What is it that makes you happy and what is it hat makes you angry / sad?
- What would you like to learn in the next one year?
10 Things You Must Reflect Upon To Become An Effective Parent
- How can you improve the educational value of your child’s environment and routine?
- What books, people, material, places, stories, and movies would you like your child come across by age 14?
- What topics have you chosen to discuss with your child to facilitate his intellectual maturity and character building?
- When was the last time your child asked a new question and you had an hour long discussion with your child? How often does it happens in your lives?
- When was the last time you recited a piece of poetry to your child or talked about your favorite authors and poets?
- How often does your child see you reading a book or writing something?
- When was the last time you wrote to your child? How often do you do so? Does your child in reply?
- When was the last time you praise your spouse in front of your children?
- How often have your children seen you forgiving others?
- What are your wishes and worries? Are your wishes and worries are meaningful and worthwhile?