THERE IS no doubt that the task of parenting can be a very challenging one, especially so in this digital age where children can be easily influenced by forces external to the home owing to the amount of time children spend on social media.

Very often parents seek the advice and guidance of teachers in their quest to ensure that their children are not just successful in school, but emerge as productive, confident, emotionally secure adults who are deeply connected to themselves and the world around them.

Teachers are in turn challenged to guide parents owing to the complexity of the issue and their personal experiences and limitations.

Luckily, the literature is replete with parenting tips that teachers can share with parents who seek out such assistance. This summary is by no means exhaustive but might prove useful to many parents who have a genuine desire to ensure their children develop a sense of curiosity, a love of learning, and an emotional quotient that will enable them to triumph over societal challenges as they pursue their goals and aspirations.

At the end of the day schooling is about preparing children for a life that is unpredictable and rapidly evolving. It is incumbent on both parent and school to equip the child with the tools to face these challenges.

Modelling correct behaviour is one of the most effective ways to teach children. This includes speech, mannerism and interpersonal interactions, as well as morality standards.

Emotionally, stability can be taught by adults modelling mental and emotional strength. This includes how stressful and challenging situations are managed. Children can learn to develop emotional strength by using these behaviours as a template. Calm, respectful and emotionally balanced behaviours are usually observed from children who come from homes where these principles are practised.

It must always be remembered that children are products of their socialisation, learning daily from what they see, hear and feel.

Both teachers and parents must also remember they have a duty to always promote intrinsic motivation by helping children take pride in their achievements and encourage reflection and introspection as a means of self-growth. This is a critical life-skill that is essential to success well beyond school.

Children must be allowed to build healthy positive relationships by engaging in active listening and sharing of experiences. Tolerance and respect is an obvious outcome of these interactions.

This requires the investment of quality time by significant adults. It helps children to feel safe, valued and understood, simultaneously promoting the self-confidence they need to take calculated risks later on in life.

Accountability, a character trait sadly lacking in many successful adults, is best taught by allowing children to face the consequences of their actions. This, coupled with the skill of self-reflection, can be a lot more effective than punishment.

These teachable moments are oftentimes unplanned but whenever the opportunity ar