One of the greatest truths to embrace is that children are not possessions — they arrive with their own karma, destiny, and a purpose unique to them. A child is not only a student in a parent's life, but also a profound teacher.

A parent's role isn't to control or mould children according to the parent's own fears or unfulfilled dreams, but to guide them with values, love and wisdom, while giving them the freedom to find their own path. Today's children are more informed, aware and connected than any generation before, with instant access to knowledge that lets them question old assumptions and understand things parents never encountered at their age. This doesn't diminish parents — it prepares children for a fast-changing, complex world, and the shift should be celebrated, not resisted.

Parents are called to listen, accept and grow alongside their children, extending to them the same freedom to live independently that parents want for themselves — each generation's journey belongs to itself. When children show love or affection, it should be received with gratitude, not treated as an entitlement; excessive expectations breed disappointment and sorrow, while true happiness comes from releasing those expectations and living one's own life with dignity, grace and independence.

When we stop expecting, we begin appreciating. When we stop demanding, we start receiving. When we stop clinging, we finally begin living.

Real parenthood isn't measured by control, but by the values passed on — a strong foundation of love, discipline and sanskar lets children build their own lives of strength, purpose and character. And when they shine, the reflection of their light will become our greatest reward. Coach the child to introspect and understand who they truly are, and help them identify their unique strengths, values and passions to discover their true Purpose of Life.