Misled adolescents

The global rise in juvenile crime and suicides is really alarming. These days, youngsters lack patience and take extreme steps instead of trying to tackle situations calmly. Committing suicide or physically assaulting someone else has become a common response. From where are children getting this aggressive and elusive behaviour? Are they learning it from the older generations or are they too pampered and spoon-fed? Being a mother of two adolescents, I think parenting plays a pivotal part.

When parents don’t give proper time and care and listen to their children’s views in time, a wall of miscommunication builds. Keep a friendly atmosphere at home where your children can open up to you.

Don’t be overprotective. When children are younger they need parents to protect them but once they enter teenage, let them learn on their own. Allow them to take decisions and make mistakes. Overprotective parents make children weak.

Many youngsters commit suicide due to stress as they cannot handle a situation on their own.

Also, don’t fulfil their excessive demands. Teach children the difference between need and greed. Nowadays many parents provide their kids with unnecessary things like gadgets, expensive smart phones and vehicles. Children start lying and stealing if they don’t get what they desire.

Keep an eye on their internet browsing. Cyber bullies and fake net users can ruin children’s mental well-being

Also, children who witness domestic violence tend to become violent and loud. Domestic fights, physical abuse and torture may make them anxious and aggressive.

Responsible parenting will create a responsible future generation.

The reader is a freelance writer based in India.