From Palan to Poshan
From nurturing to nourishing, parents in this Jharkhand village are deeply invested in the overall development of their children
Almost every Anganwadi in the Galubasa village is bustling with giggles of children sketching, painting, or eating. A stone's throw from the Anganwadi is the primary school where little children run, play, and answer questions.
These children are going through the most critical period, between birth and the age of eight. Defined as early childhood, the period is remarkable growth, with brain development at its peak.
It is also a period when children need their parents to help them learn, develop, and thrive from birth. Parents are their children's first teachers, primary providers, and pillars of strength. They provide food, shelter, care, and love. This journey of parenting a child until the child becomes an adult can be loving yet tricky.
Meet some parents in the Galubasa village in the district West Singhbhum in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand. They describe their experiences as parents and the challenges that come with it.
Shiva Jarika, a doting father of two from Galubasa village, ensures that his children receive a good education and regularly monitors what his children are taught at school. Every day at teatime, he sits with his children and reviews what they learn at school.
“I ask them what they studied that day, what homework they were assigned. I check to see if they have completed the previous assignments and then ask them to read aloud what they have written," says Shiva.
Shiva prays that his children will have a better life than he did. "Our parents could not provide us with a good education during our time. I want my children to have a better life than I did. That is why I am actively involved in their education and assist them in any way I can."
Sunita Soy, visibly concerned about her 15-year-old son's mobile usage, stated, "He is always stuck on his mobile phone. The problem is that he gets angry when I ask him to hand over the phone." Parents are often unprepared for the new development in the parent-child relationship and the child's need for autonomy.
However, they recognise that anger is not the solution. "It is critical that we maintain our cool. If we raise our voices, it will harm our children," Sunita explains. "We must use the language of love if we want them to understand what is wrong and right. Only then will they listen to us," added Sunita.
Sunita Jamuda, an Anganwadi sevika in Galubasa village, feels parents’ involvement is paramount for a child’s growth.
"This age is crucial for the child's mental, physical, and psychological health. While we take care of it in our Anganwadi, more is needed. Parents should also converse with their children when they return home from the Anganwadi. They should take an interest in their day-to-day progress, engage in eating, play and love, and help the child navigate the early stage of childhood,” says Sunita.
Parents should take an interest in children's day-to-day progress, engage in eating, play and love, and help the child navigate the early stage of childhood
Adolescence brings new challenges for parents
As children reach adolescence, parents face new challenges that necessitate new approaches to their changing needs. Children undergo physical, cognitive, and behavioural changes. Chandmani Gope, 15, of Achu Village, admitted to becoming angrier than ever before. "These days, I get very agitated very quickly. When my mother yells at me, it just sets me off. I wasn't always like this," she said.
Parents have also noticed a shift. "Children used to listen to what we had to say when they were younger, but now they are moody and stubborn," said Sushmita Haiburu, mother of two adolescents.
Parents should maintain a friendly, communicative, and rational parenting style so that adolescents feel connected and not constrained by them. Reflecting on his childhood, Shiva of Galubasa village said, "There was a time when we were kids as well. So, we know that when someone is angry, the best thing to do is be kind and talk nicely to them. That's how we would have wanted to be treated."
The role of a parent is that of a guide, friend, and guardian. A parent strives to give their child a better life despite their suffering and struggles. They demonstrate selfless dedication and lifelong sacrifice. In collaboration with its NGO partners, to help parents in their journey, UNICEF Jharkhand holds meetings regularly to educate parents on issues such as early childhood care, mental health, nutrition, and education.
