No one said parenting was easy. For me it is a journey we take with our children right from the time they are born till they are old enough to go out into the world on their own.
At each step of the way and at each milestone there are challenges. So the smart thing to do would be to arm ourselves against these challenges and face them head on! Remember knowledge is key.
Here are 15 big challenges that makes parenting a tough job for us.
Infant/Baby (0- 1 year)
- Breastfeeding: The biggest concern every parent has in the first year is whether their baby is getting enough milk. It can be the most difficult time for a mother but it is important for all new moms to note that breastfeeding is a mind game and they can win it too!
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- Going back to work:Â The end of their maternity leave is a cause for concern for all working moms. Plan wisely for yourself and your baby when you are not together, whether it is someone to take care of your baby or your breast milk pumping concerns.
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Toddler (1 to 3 years )
- Missing a development milestone:Â As parents we are astonished by how fast our baby is growing up and with each passing month we worry about the milestones that come with it. Whether our child has met the milestone, mastered it, or is way ahead of the curve is always on our mind. It is important to remember that milestones are an approximate estimation of growth and development and each child meets it differently. Also important to remember to talk to your doctor about any missed milestones.
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- Socially awkward child:Â Some toddlers suffer from stranger anxiety for a longer period , which makes them cling or whine to their parent whenever they are introduced to a new environment or when they are surrounded by new faces. In most cases this is just a phase and will fade away with time.
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Early Childhood (3 to 6 years)
- School admissions: Education is one of the biggest investment parents make for their child and finding the right school or choosing between CBSE/ICSE/IB OR IGCSC  is a big decision for parents.
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- Child abuse:Â Here is why this should be your parenting concern (if not already). As per the latest statistics on child abuse, younger children are the most vulnerable to sexual abuse. Over 25%Â of children that go through abuse are under the age of three.
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School Going Children (7 to 9 years)
- Childhood Obesity: A global phenomena that’s fast catching on with urban kids thanks to a growing fast food culture, change in food habits, and late night binging on junk food. Latest studies show that nearly 15 to 20% of children are overweight in India, definitely a red indicator for parents to keep a watch on what their kids eat at home or outside. Read how you can make snacking healthy for your kids.
- Gadget addiction: Gadgets are unavoidable in today’s world and with technology creeping in to every aspect of our life we need to be extra cautious. Limiting screen time and allowing children moderate access to screen time will prevent the many problems that arise later from technology tantrums.
 Tweens (10 to 12 years)
- Internet safety: Keeping children safe from cyber-bullies, stalkers, spammers, and hackers in the online world is one of the top most concerns for parents whose kids are new to the world of internet. Monitoring their online activities, setting access limits or giving them secure child friendly devices are all steps parents must take in today’s online world.
- Bullying /Ragging/School violence:Â Avoiding school is one of the early signs that parents need to pick up on to know about bullying. A growing concern amongst parents these days has led CBSE schools in India to form anti-bullying panels to prevent ragging or bullying in the school campus.
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Teenager (13 to 17 years)
- Sexting: Getting liberal access to mobile phones at home as well as in schools expose children to sending, receiving sexually explicit messages. This is fast becoming a common way of courtship amongst teenagers in India and a big challenge for parents. Talking to your children and constant monitoring can help.
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- Drug abuse/Smoking/Alcohol:Â No parent wants their child to turn to these habits. It would help to a great extent if parents talk to their children about them rather than label them as taboo and avoid the subject.
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- Teen pregnancy: If you think this is not a big issue in India think again. As per the latest study, the teenage pregnancy rate is higher in India than in some of the European countries and on par with the United States. Lack of sex education could be one of the main reasons behind this trend. Read our tips on how to have the “sex talkâ€_x009d_with your child.
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Mansi Zaveri
KSP Team
