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 n wborn 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  outine. 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 a e 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 issu  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 recognize 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 seekingsolutions to improve modern parenting by fostering  supportive family environments. Although conscious parenting is  becoming more widely recognized, implementing this method can be challenging for many parents. Conscious parenting is an increasingly popular approach that emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in parental behaviour and actions. Although, conscious parenting is becoming more widely recognized, 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 individualized 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. 

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Courtesy: SHIKHA ZALPURI KAPILA and  Spade A Spade-2025 MARCH