Modern Parenting
Parenting, in general, brings a profound sense of responsibility. Whether you are a young parent or have chosen to have children at a more mature age, parenting often brings moments of joy and fulfilment, though it can also be challenging. The moment a child is born, the entire family begins to dream about their future. A newborn doesn’t just make two people parents; it also alters the family hierarchy, elevating parents to grandparents and siblings to uncles and aunts. In summary, parenting encompasses many layers and styles. This article focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities of modern-day parenting.
In today’s fast-paced society, many individuals are focused on building secure futures and achieving their ambitions. This shift in priorities has led to smaller family units, moving away from the traditional joint family culture to increasingly prevalent nuclear families. While the concept of nuclear families is not new, it often now includes both parents actively pursuing careers. Balancing professional responsibilities and family obligations poses significant challenges. So, in this hustle of life where is the time to reflect on parenting?
The transition to parenthood often begins with two primary caregivers; however, what is frequently lacking is the practice of effective parenting. Daisy Dowling’s article, “A Working Parent’s Survival Guide,” highlights that this issue extends beyond individual struggles; it is a societal concern. In our relentless pursuit of personal and professional dreams, we risk neglecting the essential aspects of family life that truly matter.
We are sacrificing personal connections in favour of technology, leaving little time for meaningful interaction as devices like smart phones and tablets dominate our daily routine. When we observe our surroundings, it’s evident that eight out of ten children and their parents are absorbed in their devices instead of communicating with each other. Research indicates that parents’ smartphone use in the presence of their children negatively affects their sensitivity and responsiveness, primarily due to their preoccupation with screens. This distraction can weaken the parent-child bond, affecting emotional connection and trust. Additionally, parents often struggle to set boundaries for their children’s device usage, as well as the potential safety risks posed by unsupervised technology use. This lack of real-life interaction can lead to a deficit in essential social skills such as compassion, sharing, and effective communication—qualities that truly differentiate us from technology.
Psychologists around the world are conducting studies on the impact of technology on social skills. Research indicates that Generation Alpha children, those born after 2010, often face difficulties in forming meaningful friendship. Many parents report that their kids find it difficult to form meaningful connections. This issue often begins at home and extends into their social networks and other relationships. Children develop foundational qualities like love, empathy and connection from their parents making this aspect of parenting crucial for their development.
Parents are beginning to recognise this issue and are showing an interest in returning to traditional parenting methods due to their proven effectiveness. However, they also understand that these nurturing approaches require time and space, which is nearly impossible to find in our modern society.
Balancing professional and parental responsibilities is undeniably challenging. As a result, experts are actively seeking solutions to improve modern parenting by fostering supportive family environments.
Although conscious parenting is becoming more widely recognised, implementing this method can be challenging for many parents.
Conscious parenting is an increasingly popular approach that emphasises the importance of mindfulness in parental behaviour and actions. Although, conscious parenting is becoming more widely recognised, implementing this method can be challenging for many parents. Research on conscious parenting’s effectiveness is currently limited; however, psychologists believe that it fosters open communication and encourages parents to demonstrate positive behaviours. This approach also highlights the significance of spending quality time with children, which can enhance the parent-child relationship and support their overall social development.
Different parenting approaches can help strengthen the bond between parent and child, but ultimately, these are just guidelines to assist us in our parenting journey. The key skill lies in the parent’s ability to understand their child’s unique needs and desires. Parenting is not a one-size-fits-all process; it is individualised and inherently special. Finally, it is imperative to identify your own distinct approach, cherish the unique bond you share with your child, and nurture it wholeheartedly.
Shikha Zalpuri Kapila
I am a UK-based neurophysiotherapist and case manager with over 20 years of experience in rehabilitation, supporting individuals with neurological conditions and life-changing injuries. Writing has long been a cherished hobby, and as my son has grown older, I have found more time to embrace it. Passionate about social issues, I write to raise awareness, empathy, and positive change in the society. Outside of work and writing, I am a proud daughter, wife, sister, and mother who enjoys music, meeting new people, and meaningful conversations. Whether through my clinical work or creative expression, I am deeply committed to uplifting others and finding joy in everyday human connections.
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