Talk to children or they will stop listening
his is the era of competition and versatility. Due to stress, career issues, peer pressure and the general trials of teenage years, children often live in tension. This pressure and discomfort leads to many negative outcomes, such as bullying others, aggression, juvenile crime and so on. But I feel today’s young generation lacks patience. Reading and hearing about suicidal children and about bullying cases, I find it difficult to accept that many young people are inclining towards a wrong path. But studies or exams are not the sole reason behind this.
I am the mother of a teenage daughter, and while interacting with her I can feel that if parents listen to their child and understand him/her fully, the child would not look for drastic options, but would rather share his/ her problem with family members.
It’s so upsetting to hear of youngsters involved in criminal activities and substance abuse. As a parent I can strongly say that if you provide a friendly and healthy atmosphere for your children at home, they would be free to share their opinions and it would lead to a strong bond between you and them. Unlike in the past we must talk with young people – not just about their studies, but also about their interests, friend circles, future plans and their fears. Today’s generation has many good qualities but some drawbacks, as well. If they don’t get the right guidance they could fall into bad company and even commit crimes. This happens in cases when children are not comfortable open up to them.
Providing financial support is not enough. Parents need to be understanding and stop putting pressure on their children. Criticism and comparisons with other family members can make the situation worse.
Already social media is taking a toll on relationships. I am not against social networking, but it is a real fact that many youngsters spend numerous hours on their smartphones and laptops and don’t interact with their families. If parents keep themselves accessible and open for their children, it would create a great, fruitful bond. with parents and
The reader is a freelance writer based in India. don’t