Striving towards Excellence

-Karthik Gurumurthy

You know, it's fascinating how some parents think their kids just automatically know they're loved without being told. But here's the thing - children actually need constant reassurance of their parents' love. It's not enough to just feel it; kids need to see it in how their parents talk, smile, and act around them.

Think about it - kids don't have the emotional wisdom we adults do. When they get scolded or punished, they often see it as a sign that they're not loved, rather than understanding it might be coming from a place of care. That's why it's super important for parents to actively show their love, even in small ways.

What's really interesting is how showing love changes as kids grow up. With babies and toddlers, it's all about those hugs, cuddles, and kisses - they literally need that physical touch to develop properly. But as kids get older, the way we show love needs to evolve too. While an occasional hug is still great, they need different kinds of support.

For older kids, love shows up in different ways - like taking genuine interest in their homework, reading together, going for walks, or getting involved in their hobbies. Sometimes it's just about having a patient ear or sharing a laugh together. These little moments of attention? They're like love notes to a child's heart.

The impact of parental love is pretty amazing when you think about it. Kids who grow up feeling loved tend to be more confident and resilient. They're generally happier, calmer, and have more energy for life. Plus, they're better equipped to handle life's disappointments - which we all know are inevitable. On the flip side, when kids don't feel that parental love, their world can feel pretty empty, and they might act out just to get some attention.

Here's something cool: when kids feel loved, it creates this positive ripple effect. They become more loving themselves, they're usually more cheerful, and they build better relationships with others. They're also more likely to listen to their parents and follow guidance with enthusiasm rather than resistance. It's like love creates this foundation of trust that makes everything else work better.

My dad actively took me to cricket coaching and constantly monitored my progress while I was young.  It's a perfect example of how parental love isn't just about affection - it's about actively investing in your child's growth and believing in their potential.

Bottom line? Parental love is this incredibly powerful force that shapes who children become. It influences everything from their personality and attitude to their confidence and outlook on life. It's like this natural superpower that parents have - one that can help transform their kids into happy, healthy, and confident adults.