It is natural for parents to love their children unconditionally. However, psychologists advise parents to practise emotionally mature behaviour so that children can grow up to be independent and confident. Farzana Piyas, a mental health professional at HS London, highlighted five aspects of emotionally mature parenting in a podcast. Parents can reflect on whether they follow these five practices. 1. Admitting mistakes and apologising to the child: Emotionally mature parents acknowledge their own mistakes and try to fix them. From this, children learn that anyone can make mistakes. Making a mistake does not define a person’s character; rather, how we respond to and correct that mistake does. 2. Teaching children to take responsibility according to their abilities: Emotionally mature parents teach children to take responsibility for themselves. They guide and encourage children to do their own tasks. Such parents do not always do everything for their children. As a result, children gradually learn to manage their own tasks and gain confidence in doing so. 3. Setting boundaries and maintaining them: Emotionally mature parents set clear boundaries for their children. Even if a child does not follow them, the parents communicate a clear message. For example, if a child is given a tablet or computer for a set amount of time but exceeds that limit and starts shouting to get more time, emotionally mature parents may take the device away and say, “You will get it back when you stop throwing it.” 4. Loving the child unconditionally: All parents love their children, but emotionally mature parents love their children without conditions. 5. Celebrating effort, not just achievement: Emotionally mature parents celebrate a child’s effort rather than only the outcome or success. This helps children focus on continuing their work and makes it easier for them to accept reality later in life.