MY TAKE ON BEING A MOM TO A SINGLE CHILD

“Beta, it’s time to have a second baby” was one of the statement I used to hear few years back (and of course I do have to listen to it now but rarely) Statements like these can never be argued or carried forward as a conversation but here are my thoughts (or I wish I could reply back to those aunties) :

•     “Siblings are great companions” - I do have siblings and we bond very well. We, the grownups, are busy with our careers, family and life; we seldom meet. I know they will always be there for me when needed but when I actually need them, they are pre committed which I will not say is wrong.  21^st century kids are so independent that they will make friends quickly.
•         “Beta, you have a good family support” - yes I do have super support from my husband, mother in law, my mom and all others. But this is no reason to have a second child. At the end, I am the mother and I am responsible for everything. I can take their help but cannot be depended on them.
  
•      “By God’s grace, family is financially good.” -  I am very glad that family is financially strong and can afford many kids but that is not the reason why I am not having a second child. Beside education, there are many other expenses like after school activities, Holiday trips, Birthday Parties and the list goes on which demand not only finances but devoted time. I rather have one child and give him best of everything.
  
•     “Having a second child, increases the bond between husband and wife” : Really?  After having our child, we already spend very less time with each other as during the day we are busy with work and when he is free in the evening/ night, I am busy with my son’s classes and homework.  So in case if we have another child, We won’t see each other for days :)
  
  

I am confident that PN Jr.  will grow as an independent, obedient and caring Human. Few people believe that a single child tends to grow stubborn and self centered. There are families who have 3 to 4 children and yet are very stubborn. So it’s totally on one’s nature how he grows to be.

I might face the following challenges:

•   Inculcating sharing habits.
•   Taking care of the younger ones.
• Assuring safety while I play with other kids.

 But, all of these would have to be managed and implemented whether I have 1 or more children.

At the end, all I can say is..

 A mother to a single child is a happy mom who makes sure that her family too is always happy.

On to a new journey

My journey from motherhood to a facilitator has been a fascinating one – because I enjoy sharing my knowledge with the younger ones. Being an inspiration to my little one has made me realize that I can make a difference in the lives of the learners. I truly believe in 21^st century learning which means all of us are learning at every stage.

          After completing my “Early Years in childhood” teaching course from a renowned institution, I decided to enter the Education World. During my journey, I learnt:

• Each day, each child brings with him an immense number of variables and possibilities.
• Lesson planning with class management is a must.
• Its absolutely OK to fail in the lessons that are planned.
• Every learner is different and unique.
• Always listen first.
• Age appropriate experiments are one of the best ways to understand and learn concepts.
• Sharing essential knowledge leads to a positive bond of communication.
• Connecting home and school makes us a great community of Learners.
• We inspire, mentor and support.
• With good co teachers, we also make new friends.

         Though it was a tough decision to take up a job which is filled with so many responsibilities, it gives immense happiness to know that the children have taken back something that they did not know before. The ability to share knowledge is a bit like a superpower.

Dedicated to all the mothers who decided to take this bold step of “being a working Parent.”