Title: Navigating Parenthood – A Child’s Heart, a Parent’s View, an Educator’s Wisdom
Author: Dr Arunabh Singh
Publisher: Scholastic India
Type: Hardcover
No of pages: 150 pages
Recommended age: For Parents
‘Navigating Parenthood’ written by Dr Arunabh Singh is an exceptional parenting book which is quite comprehensive and composed in a clear and concise style that resonates with people from diverse socio- economic background. Though it’s well researched, it doesn’t come with difficult jargon or contexts which may be alien to us. The flow of the book is quite easy to read. It stands true to its tagline “A Child’s Heart, a Parent’s View, an Educator’s Wisdom”. It gives you a multi-dimensional perspective as it makes you step into the shoes of your child, understand the heart of parents and gain insight into the expertise and knowledge of teachers.
The author provides valuable insights into child development, mental heath and empathy backed up by research. He gives personal anecdotes and real-life examples which I could relate to very well. He often cites personal experiences with his two daughters, his nephews, his students or from his own school-life. For example, in the chapter ”Can Do Better or Keep It Up’, he mentions that the recurring remark “can do better” in his school report card always baffled him. Even my primary school report card mentioned similar comments even though I stood first or second academically. There’s one time when I came first and still the teacher wrote can do better, which really hurt me. During my time, only academic performances were the benchmark for parents and teachers. So these remarks really puzzled me. How was I supposed to do better, when there were no discussions or guidelines regarding the same? The lack of clarity and guidance was frustrating and demotivating. Was it my handwriting, was it my grammar, my tidiness or my spoken English/Hindi? Did I talk in my mother tongue, or did I talk during free periods? Or was it even my choice of friends? I had so many questions which couldn’t be even asked. It was as if I’m deliberately trying to underperform and not reaching my potential. I was so lost; and so was the author in his school days.
The author’s candid account touches the chord at so many levels. He further explores how teachers’ judgements can impact children and how we as parents can navigate around such situations and support our children, helping them build resilience and confidence. This is just one example. There are umpteen others which will take us back to our school days and also which we can relate to in our daily interactions with our children. As an educator himself, the author offers a unique perspective delving into the teachers’ mind and shedding light on the common mistakes made by educators.
This book tackles a broad spectrum of topics that will resonate with all – emotional regulation, promise-keeping, sibling rivalries, decision- making, unconditional parental love, bullying prevention, social media dependency, concept of safe classroom and so on.
Another salient feature of this book is that it is written in an Indian context. Most of the parenting books are written by foreign authors and many of the school situations might be different there. Here, the author illustrates his experiences as a student as well as a teacher in India. So there is so much familiarity. Another aspect explored is the psyche of Indian parents; a nuanced challenge of balancing nurturing with empowering them to be world-ready. Parenting is not for the weak ones.
The one aspect of the book which we at kbc may love is the importance the author gives to the profound impact of books and literature on children. One dedicated chapter explores the benefits of early reading, reading aloud, independent reading, leisure reading as well as introducing children to multiple genres. This is so thoughtful and highlights the significance of reading in shaping young minds.
So if you are looking for an easy to read parenting book written by an educator-cum-dad, with an Indian viewpoint, then go for this book. Within its pages, you will find comfort, familiarity and a new outlook on parenthood. What truly sets ‘Navigating Parenthood’ apart is its use of relatable, real-life scenarios that resonate deeply with Indian parents addressing the intricacies of their children as well as teachers. It is a comprehensive and valuable positive parenting guide for navigating the complexities of parenthood in an Indian context by providing practical hacks and simple strategies.
Did you know children develop a sense of true self and false self even before the age of five?
Did you know we can not only make the child recognise body language, but can also make them aware of his/her own body language even at an young age?
Did you know entrepreneurial traits can be sowed in childhood?
Did you know fostering sibling bond can be largely dependent on the parents?
Did you know no question is a silly question?
Did you know there are different types of bullying and bystander bullying…?
Do you know what is Hikikomori phenomenon and Shinrin-yoku…?
If any of the answers is No, you will definitely benefit from this book..
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Disclaimer: Preethi is part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received this book as a review copy from the publisher via kbc.
