From the day parenthood embarks on you there are always frustrating moments. All the books, guidance from elders/friends never really prepares you for what you are going to face. You struggle through all the bringing up through your inner instinct and the love you feel for your child. You incorporate values which you think are going to enrich their lives and abstinence from bad habits.

But at times of tantrums, sullen behaviour and your angry outbursts you wonder if you are doing a right job as a parent…

Many a times this simple question is answered by the child herself. When you hear Mum you are a meanie…100 times it is balanced well with 10 times of Mum I love you… When your child shares your achievements and says Mum I’m proud of you… you have done a right thing as she is reciprocating what you would have done knowingly or unknowingly by telling her you are proud of her..

Well what actually started all this thought process? A simple event...

I was driving on a rainy stormy day with my daughter. We were supposed to attend a party at friends and were running late. My husband was out of state for business trip. We had to make a pit stop at a mall to grab a quick gift before we headed for a party. I was in a hurry would be understating the state I was in. Dressed up coyly all in a lovely sari I rushed in the rain to get a gift voucher as didn’t have time to choose the right gift.

When reversing my car from the car park I went bang. Straight into another car. In the hyper state I was in this was the final straw. I sat there dumb stuck shivering. My daughter was riding with me. She saw the state I was in. She told me to sip water from the water bottle. Got down the car, called her dad up and asked him to talk to the person whose car was damaged. All the information on insurance etc was done and then he asked to talk to me. I could hardly comprehend what he was talking. I mumbled yes and no and put the phone down. I told him I can’t drive home.

My daughter didn’t say a word. She sat next to me. Gave me some water and said,”Mum, you can do it. Remember when I fell from a bike and didn’t want to ride again you said only if you ride you’ll fall and learn but if you stop that you’ll never fall but can never learn to ride a bike. I know you can drive and you are a good driver. Just take a deep breath and let’s go home.”

All through the journey she kept on encouraging me and talking to me non stop.

Once we reached home she hugged me and said,” Mum now you can cry if you want to . I know you are shocked. But all make mistakes mum. That is how we learn. “

Then she told me ,”You are my heroin. I was also scared but with you besides me I knew I shouldn’t be scared.”

Little did she know that she was the heroin …the thought struck me hard...Here is a mature, confident Loving human being as my child... No I have not failed as a parent...