Parent Nest

  "You are truly a good child." Every time I close the final pages of  Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window , my heart yearns to meet the esteemed Principal Kobayashi and visit the extraordinary Tomoe School a place that  always discovers and nurtures the precious strengths of its students , cultivating them every day, every hour. Principal Kobayashi and John Dewey shared the belief that  "Education is a social process, a development that takes place within the context of a real, dynamic society."  In this environment, every child is evaluated in the most humane way: their strengths (or potential strengths) and weaknesses are assessed individually and thoughtfully. You might remember the story of Totto-Chan, who was  "expelled"  from her first-grade class because: She kept looking out the window, waving at street musicians, and talking to birds. She drew her flag outside the margins of the paper. She was fascinated with opening and closing her des...

These might be the words of a 14-year-old child confronting their mother’s reproach: “Why do I do everything for you, and you never appreciate it?” This statement reflects a deeper truth that many parents may not realize: sometimes, the actions we take for our children are driven by our own desires and expectations, not necessarily their needs. A few days ago, I had the opportunity to converse with several parents and colleagues—psychologists and educators—about a pressing question:  What does it truly mean to prepare well for a child’s future? Over the past decade, particularly between 2014 and 2017, the “natural parenting” movement gained momentum, fueled by media and extreme viewpoints. Some believed children should develop entirely freely, without schools or structured education. Others encouraged letting children do whatever they wanted, without rules or boundaries. However, many children raised this way struggled to integrate into society. They lacked essential skills and kno...

Imagine a father who loses his temper every time his child exhibits any form of challenging behavior. The child steps out of the bathroom with wet feet—the father yells. The child sits down to study five minutes late—the father immediately grumbles. The child raises their voice during a sibling argument—the father glares and threatens to confiscate their toys. This child grows up under the father’s strict supervision. Yet, strangely, the father never praises or pays attention to the child’s good behavior. The times when the child dries their feet before leaving the bathroom, studies on time, or plays harmoniously with their siblings go unnoticed. All of the father’s attention is focused solely on the child’s mistakes. As a result, the child’s challenging behaviors escalate, and the father’s anger intensifies daily. The two are locked in an endless power struggle. Until one day, the father can no longer tolerate it—the first strike of the rod lands! A rod born of helplessness. The pain ...

Imagine a mother who always wants her child to behave properly and politely. When her child forgets to say "thank you," she immediately scolds, "Why don’t you have any manners?" When the child finishes eating but doesn’t clear the dishes, she reprimands, "You’re old enough to handle such a simple task!" And when the child fights with their sibling over a toy, she yells, "You’re being so selfish!" Every day, this mother diligently corrects every little mistake her child makes, hoping they will change. But strangely, she never pays attention to the child’s good behaviors. When the child voluntarily shares a toy with their sibling, completes homework without being reminded, or naturally says "thank you," the mother overlooks these moments without acknowledgment. Over time, the child begins to feel that no matter how well they behave, their mother doesn’t seem to care. They realize that their mother only pays attention when they make mistak...

Have you ever witnessed a newlywed couple surrounded by well-meaning relatives, bombarded with advice like, “Hurry up and have a baby! Only then will you truly become a family. Children give life meaning, bring couples closer, and fill your days with endless joy.” While these sentiments are often shared with love, do they paint a complete picture of what parenthood truly entails? Parenthood is not a one-size-fits-all experience. It is a complex journey that can be filled with moments of profound joy and fulfillment, but it can also bring stress, exhaustion, and anxiety. For some, the challenges of parenting can even lead to feelings of regret or burnout. In fact, psychological studies have revealed that between 5% to 8% of parents suffer from symptoms of parental burnout, and approximately 7% to 13% have experienced regret about having children (Roskam et al., 2018; Roskam et al., 2021; Piotrowski, 2021). These statistics serve as a reminder that the transition to parenthood is not alw...

Flying on a plane without using electronics might seem challenging, especially on long flights. However, disconnecting from screens can be a great way to relax, refresh, and engage in activities that stimulate your mind and creativity. If you're wondering what to do on a flight when your phone, tablet, or laptop is off, this list of 15 activities will keep you entertained and make the journey feel shorter. 1. Read a Book or Magazine 📖 One of the best ways to pass the time is reading a book, magazine, or newspaper . Whether it’s a bestseller, self-improvement book, or travel guide , reading transports you to another world and makes hours fly by. ✅ Tip: If you’re not a fan of carrying books, try a small paperback or printed articles before boarding. 2. Write in a Journal ✍ Airplane time is perfect for journaling . Write about your trip, your thoughts, goals, or even plans for the future . Journaling helps reduce stress and boosts creativity . ✅ Tip: Start a travel journal ...

Writing is a fundamental skill that lays the foundation for future academic success. For preschoolers, writing isn’t just about forming letters—it’s about developing fine motor skills, creativity, and early literacy . The key to teaching preschoolers how to write is making it fun, engaging, and hands-on ! In this guide, we’ll explore: ✔ Why early writing skills are important ✔ The best writing activities for preschoolers ✔ Fun ways to encourage reluctant writers ✔ Tips for parents and teachers to support early writing development Let’s dive in! Why Is Writing Important for Preschoolers? Preschoolers may not be writing full sentences yet, but introducing writing activities early helps them: 🖍 Develop fine motor skills – Holding a pencil, making strokes, and controlling hand movements improve dexterity. 📖 Enhance literacy skills – Writing goes hand in hand with reading, helping children recognize letters and words. 🎨 Boost creativity – Drawing and scribbling allow children to exp...