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Taking a cue from Sneha Khanwelkar’s blog a few months ago titled, ‘A Musical Drive to Blue Mountain – Toronto Diaries,’ whenever we are driving with kids, we play each other’s favourite song one at a time! The kids get specially excited about this. They look forward to playing their song; and also develop an ear for other kinds of music that their parents, grandparents or other people enjoy!

Day before we were travelling to meet their nana-nani who stay about 15 minutes from our home. As we sat, Anay took the phone and decided that he will be the first one to select a song. He played the tone of – ‘Mission Impossible 2!’ I was pleasantly surprised that he knew this. Upon enquiring how he knew this, he simply said, “I don’t know this music. I just played it!” I told him that Mission Impossible was one of my favourite series!

The kids immediately asked, “What is Mission Impossible series?” I was stumped. It hardly occurred to me that they wouldn’t have any idea on this and will ask such a question. But I had to answer something, which made sense to them!

I just said, “It’s an adult cartoon! Like how you see various cartoons on TV, which you know isn’t true. Similarly, Mission Impossible is a series, which is meant for grown-ups.” They seemed satisfied with the answer and no questions followed!

I realized – parenting is all about being relevant. If we can handle their queries and objections with a language/ tone/ example they would understand, rather than just blabbering and imposing what we want to, kids would really appreciate that.

Our kids are very different than us. The way we have been brought up and were parented is completely different than them. They have more exposure, social media influence, understanding and self-confidence than us. It is pointless to tell them how we were parented and what kind of children we were to our parents. They would infact think we were so dumb to be like that!

If we want to be the parent that we wish to be, we will have to relevant to them and their times! Else, we will remain as someone who keeps poking at them always, impose restrictions, intrude in their space, and never understand them. I am not saying that we give-in to everything they demand. We need to know how to create a balance. If they are not demanding for big things, it’s okay to give in. But in certain aspects where we know they are being unreasonable; it is fine to stay stubborn. Afterall, it is for their good either now or in near future. It is this fine line, which is so crucial!

I wish to say that we can call ourselves good parents, if and only IF we are relevant to their world! Only then can we influence them and nudge them in the right direction, if ever needed!

Let’s accept the reality; and become RELEVANT PARENTS!