Being a parent is a mixed bag – on one hand, you feel immense joy and happiness at the birth of your child, but on the other, you know that as they grow older, your responsibilities increase and the challenges you face become greater. When they start school and start to make friends, they discover a world besides their home and the parents. And unless you know and accept that there are going to be many changes and challenges ahead and are prepared to deal with them, you’re going to find it difficult to stay connected to and bond with your kids. Although each child is different, in general, most parents face the challenges below: