In recent times raising children is challenging, mainly because
· Parents are working and are living in a nuclear family, they juggle between their personal and professional life.
· Reduced extended family support. The generation gap was reduced to just 45 days!!
· Peer pressure: Tendency to compare our children to others is a common practice – this can be a cause for unhappiness among parents as their expectations are not met. The abilities that their child is showing may go unnoticed, thus causing a burnout in children and frustration in parents.
· Social media, increased digital use: children are often addicted to gadgets , prone to information overload.
· The world we are living in is a VUCA world-
VUCA stands for volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity:
· Volatility: The rate of change, which can be dynamic and fast.
· Uncertainty: The lack of predictability and information.
· Complexity: Interdependent systems that are difficult to understand.
· Ambiguity: The challenge of understanding reality.
Because of the aforementioned challenges, Parents must recognize the need to adapt new approaches and ways in dealing with the child. Embracing a more modern mindset can empower children to thrive , handle the complexities of their world.
Emotional Well-Being and supportive Environment:
Instead of enforcing only discipline and obedience, parents can help their child develop resilience and empathy.
A supportive environment that encourages open and free expression of emotions and feelings can help children develop strong coping mechanisms, enabling them to navigate through life’s challenges more effectively and come out of it successfully, without succumbing to pressures that are prevalent in their environment and at times of adversity.
Embracing, celebrating Individuality:
Parents can cultivate an atmosphere of acceptance and encouragement.
Acknowledging that very child is unique, with distinct interests, strengths, and learning styles can help you get there.
By recognizing and nurturing each child’s talents and passions we can give them a safe learning space with steady and continuous improvement in the chosen area. Mistakes treated as stepping stones can help then develop a growth mindset.
Collective efforts of teachers, parents, mentors the child has can also make this possible.
Encouraging Independence:
Allowing children to take age-appropriate risks and learn from their mistakes.
Taking decisions and solving problems independently in a competitive world is crucial.
A self aware child can maneuver himself and conduct themselves in a steadfast way.
A shift from a micromanagement style to guidance can empower children to become self-reliant and confident.
– Strategies for Mindset Change:
· Adopt a Growth Mindset: emphasizes- that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Parents can foster this mindset by celebrating effort and perseverance rather than solely focusing on outcomes. Modeling a growth mindset in their own lives, parents can teach children to view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth.
· Practice Open Communication: Open dialogue = healthy relationship
· Practice active listening : Make the child heard and his feelings validated, respected.
· Focus on Strengths: Encouraging children to pursue their interests and talents can lead them to be more engaged and fulfilled individuals.
By Sweta.N