KARACHI:
Many individuals struggle with fulfilling parental responsibilities because it is a constant learning process wherein people can make mistakes. Most parents worry that their children will have to bear the brunt of their mistakes or shortfalls and adopt an authoritative approach by undertaking all decision-making responsibilities upon themselves. Resultantly, they accord little importance or respect to their children’s views and opinions.
Considering that most children already feel a generational gap with their parents, their inability to freely express themselves and their opinions at home makes them feel trapped or unheard. Consequently, some children begin feeling extreme stress, anxiety, or depression. There is an increased likelihood of children confiding in strangers on the internet, wanting to leave their homes to escape the claustrophobic environment, abusing substances, or committing suicide.
Parents must realise that instead of creating a strict environment at home, they must adopt a friendly attitude with their children. Although parents must set guidelines and supervise their children, they should avoid constantly pressuring their children into performing well at school and monitoring their behaviours. Non-governmental organisations and educational institutes can lend parents a helping hand by offering them counselling services to help them better understand how to raise children and behave with them.
Nida Ahmad
Rawalpindi
Published in The Express Tribune, July 23rd, 2022.
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