Parenting our “screen-agers” : The Gen Alpha

There is no responsibility greater than being a parent; we all want the best for our children, the best of health, education, lifestyle, and future. There is no denying the fact that our children mean the world to us, yet we find ourselves in the fast moving and ever so busy lifestyles of today, struggling to enjoy their childhood.

Our newest generation is the one where screens are placed in front of them from the youngest age as distractors,  pacifiers, and entertainers. However, we can still make the best of the time we have by doing little things to nurture our children. 

Let us look at certain important tips for parenting in today's world :

• Involve children in Family and Household Activities

Do not allow children to become isolated in some remote corner of the house. Encourage family time, talk to each other, allow your children to express themselves and their ideas. Make it a habit of giving children something to look forward to with the family.

• Be a Role Model

We need to practice the traits that we want to cultivate in our children. It is important that you realize that your children learn constantly from your actions. They observe us a lot more closely than we realise. What we do, what we eat, the way we talk to others, the way we talk about work, the way we approach a situation, and our attitude towards the smallest of things is being observed by our child.

• Make Time

Life will always have a way of consuming our time, we as parents need to be sure that we take out at least 30 minutes daily for our children. The idea is to spend some time on a daily basis, doing anything you wish to do with your children.

• Notice the Good Qualities

Make an effort to identify and compliment the good qualities of your child. Point out the positive qualities and let them build them further. We need to pause from the rush of our lives and enjoy the wonderful qualities that our children possess.

• Avoid the 3 C's : Never Criticize, Compel, or Condemn

We should avoid these 3 C's while interacting with our children, this may induce a tendency to rebel and make them aggressive. Unfair criticism may hamper the child's holistic development.

But does that mean you should let the child get away with bad behaviour ? Absolutely Not. If an action was out of line, we immediately let it be known to our child that this is unacceptable. We must inculcate values by positively acknowledging even the tiniest good deeds and at the same time clearly drawing the line on what is not acceptable behaviour. Having said that, focus on the deed and not on our innocent little do-er. Make the issue or the talk about the mis-behaviour and not about the child personally.

“Hitting another child is bad behaviour, it is a strict NO, and it must be addressed immediately. But remember, it does not make our child a bad person”.

• Communicate Positively

Talk to your kids in a positive way, Kids will get your attention most easily when they are getting into trouble or there is a disciplinary issue, but this should not be the only time to talk to them. Talk to them in a friendly and positive way about any topic they want to discuss.

• Tell them you love them

Sounds simple, yet most of us do not practice it, we know that we love them unconditionally, but we do not communicate it. Developing the feeling of care and affection is very important. It is important for your child to know that you love him / her, unconditionally, and will always be available in times of need.

• Listen Attentively

The way we listen to our children is very important, especially when we are busy. Look at your children when they talk to you and give importance to what they have to say. It will make them feel a lot closer to you.

• Do not argue with your spouse or parents in front of your children

Our children observe us continuously, and arguments affect our children and their feelings. We must treat our spouse with respect in front of our children and avoid any negative arguments in front of them. How you treat people in front of your children will affect how they behave with others.

• Respect our Elders

Develop a culture of respect in your family. Do not allow your children to disrespect you or your spouse.  Be certain that your children respect elders. Try to be consistent with the rules you set so that the children are aware of the boundaries.                

Each child is unique and different in his or her own way, yet the universal elements of parenting remain the same. The points we discussed in this article are basic elements of parenting we must all inculcate in our habits. You are already the hero in your child's cute little story, let us show them all the love their hero has to offer.