PARENTING IN THE 21ST CENTURY: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES
The older generation grew up in a very different time than today’s parents, who probably didn’t have to deal with many of the challenges of the 21st century due to the slower pace of change in the world, technology, and way of life back then. Furthermore, you are supposed to raise a prepared child for a world you are unfamiliar with.
Hence, the issues parents confront in the 21st century are far more challenging than those of previous parenting generations. The most rewarding and challenging job right now is being a parent. This task will never be finished or made simpler.
- Giving a “No.”
Modern parents are guilty of abandoning their children whenever they need them. That is likely why they are always willing to grant all of their requests, even before our children make them known. By engaging in this behaviour, children become numb adults who lack the resilience to deal with rejection and disappointment. They also anticipate that everyone will respect their wishes, just like their parents did.
Children’s emotional fortitude needs to be strong enough to handle rejection and the consequences of their behaviour because the real world is quite competitive. Not being able to say no to excessive requests may cause someone to develop narcissistic traits unwittingly.
- Using Smartphones Excessively
This is the most typical challenge of the twenty-first century, regardless of where you are from. Your kids could fall victim to the device’s power in a matter of clicks. The digital device can capture and hold our child’s interest anytime. From toddlers to teenagers, mobile phones have captured the interest of all age groups. The common daily activities that all 21st-generation kids engage in include watching videos, playing games, having conversations, and mindlessly browsing social media.
Mobile phone addiction has caused parents to be concerned about several issues, including their children’s declining physical and mental health, their inability to focus on their studies and careers, an increase in oppositional behaviour, and the possibility that their children will become victims of cyberbullying. Fears have only grown as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic because pupils had to rely so heavily on these devices for their education. However, thanks to smartphones, parents can readily educate themselves about their children’s digital footprints with only a few clicks.
- Obesity
Older generations have limited knowledge of fast food and obesity. All they understood was how to eat healthily, which meant getting plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy. Healthy foods are seldom ever known to today’s youth. Even a 2-year-old child prefers pizza to a meal of fruits and veggies. A generation of obese children results from bad eating habits developed over the last few decades and a lethargic lifestyle. In addition to having health problems from a young age, these kids have less endurance than the older generation.
- Busy Lives cause Pressure On Families
It becomes essential for both partners in the family to make ends meet during this time when everything is expensive, including nice food, clothes, a home, and education. Both fathers and mothers of families are now questioning whether they should continue working due to the worsening financial situation. Many moms now divide their time between their children and their jobs as a result of the financial strain. Children experience numerous psychological and physical alterations when they don’t receive good care and attention. The parents will need to agree if the mother decides to leave her job to devote her full focus to raising her children financially, in one way or another.
Additionally, when both parents work, they always feel guilty for not spending enough time with their children. They begin to miss the kids and all of their milestones.
- Eating Disorders And Childhood Bonding
Children of today spend more time inside watching television than they do outside. Obesity in children is frequently caused by a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. The risk of childhood obesity has never been higher. Nowadays, junk food makes up a large portion of children’s diets. Parents should teach their kids how to eat wholesome, balanced meals that include fresh fruits and vegetables. They must be encouraged to switch from soft drinks to daily water consumption. Parents must lead by example to motivate their children to maintain an active lifestyle and balance screen time with outdoor activities. Additionally, they want to encourage their kids to play frequently in public playgrounds.
- Family Environment
Because both parents work, there is occasionally less communication between children and parents. Another element is the rise in family stress levels brought on by financial strains, marital violence, etc. This causes the family to become tenser, creating an unhealthy environment for kids to grow up in. Parents should take care of these items. If both parents are employed, they should spend as much time as possible with their children at home. They should have open discussions about various topics to encourage children to communicate their troubles and feel comfortable doing so.
So that the kids feel joyful and at ease at home, the setting should be one of love, laughing, fun, and tranquillity. As parents, we ought to spend more and more time with our kids so that we may learn more about the risks they are facing and perhaps take steps to reduce them. Additionally, we will be able to foster strong parent-child relationships.
CONCLUSION
Even though you could experience overload during your parenting journey, the rewards remain. The good news is that even though a lot has changed, certain things are still the same at their core. It’s crucial that, as a parent, you put your attention on forming a close bond with your child and showing them unconditional love. And you’ll be OK as long as you’ve given your child a loving, secure, and accepting environment.
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