Parenting is not a technique but a reflection of the united philosophy of both father and mother. There is no “bad child”, but simply “bad routines”. In today’s technologically-driven environment, young parents cannot deny this truth.

Most children today are buffered from all sorts of discomfort and are kept happy all the times, which affects their growth and makes them ill-equipped to handle adverse situations and challenges later in life. To connect deeply with the children, one needs to be “mindful”. Mindfulness is about extricating ourselves from the chatter and reactivity that surrounds us. Mindfulness creates the inner space to reach out to our own wisdom and respond with clear thinking, understanding and acceptance of “what is”.

Child and adolescent psychologist and family therapist Dr Shelja Sen highlights this through her five anchors of parenting — connect (create the foundation of parenting); coach (build the necessary skills in children through an understanding of their unique wiring and temperament); care (nurture ourselves for a more wholesome life); community (build caring ecosystems for children to thrive in) and commit (sustain the courage and compassion).

The book suggests emotional and practical ways to nurture a healthy and happy family, and not just children. The 5C formula of the author is not just about the holistic approach to parenting, but also gives suggestions on how to strengthen individuals, families and community with spiritualism. The author believes that parenting is not about fixing the child but growing up and empowering ourselves for this journey.

“Connect and Coach for Teenagers” is a particularly significant chapter in the book. An eye-opener for parents, it is interspersed with true stories and anecdotes from children she has been involved therapeutically with. Listening, respecting and not being judgemental are the critical points discussed here.

This book could be a ready reckoner for parents, teachers and all those involved with raising the future through children.