Perfecting Parenthood Seminar

The moment I knew of Perfecting Parenthood : Tips Tricks and Truths to Raising a Well-Developed Child seminar organised by CNA, I went online to check out the speakers, speech topics, and the ticket price. There has been a lot of such parenting talks but I had attended none as I believe most of these seminars with shallow insights are organised as a sales opportunities for merchants to hard sell their products and courses to unfailing parents. I was surprised when I saw the ticket price: $11 for early birds! That's relatively cheap! Attractive pricing aside, the topics covered were interesting and having CNA as an Organiser gives some credibility. I wasted no time in grabbing hold of an early bird ticket. Luckily I did that because the seats were all sold out in the end!

Steven Chia, the suave prime time morning presenter was the host and he was a humourous dude who cracks intelligent jokes! I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon with them and I brought home not only a bagful of goodies but a more inspirational and positive mindset towards parenting. This is what I gathered from the seminar:

Every child has core needs and it cuts across culture. Attend to a child's core needs because when core needs such as basic safety, protection and love are not met, it results in lifetraps like emotional deprevation, entitlement and unrelenting standards. Constantly give affirmation to your child and recognise and praise the efforts as much as results. Parents have to be assertive too. Say what you mean and mean what you say. There is no such thing as perfect parents. The most we can achive is "good enough" parents. "Good enough" parents are about striking a balance.

There are 3 simple "secrets" to having an intelligent child.

First, parents need to have a correct mindset. We need to know how to excite, enroll and enjoy with them. Children look up to us and if we enjoy the symphony of life, the little ones too will..

Second, parents need to develop a thinking child. Teach them to ask questions, give them freedom to explore and help them ask the right questions. A child that is able to make the right decision is more important than having a high IQ.

Lastly, parents need to light up because when you light up, your child will shine.

Doesn't the concept of intelligence clash with what we as parents thought it is? Is it all about schools, jobs, universities and careers? Guess we all need to define what we call intelligence....