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The evolution of technology has made an undeniable impact on our lives. It’s safe to say that we live in a different world than our parents because of technology. The opportunities and information available today because of digitalization have opened up various avenues for children, and sometimes, parents don’t realize that.
Did you ever imagine that your child will teach you how to use a smartphone? Or that they will understand how social media works better than you? It’s easy to dismiss them, saying that what they know is irrelevant, but you have to ask yourself, “Is it really?”. Times have changed, but somehow Indian parents seem to find it difficult to let go of their regressive mindset regarding raising their kids.
Here are seven common parenting mistakes that almost every Indian parent has made/is making:
1. The Engineer/Doctor Dilemma
It’s 2021, but Indian parents don’t seem to get careers beyond being an engineer or a doctor. They still believe that if their child is an event planner, lawyer, chartered account, pilot, or hotelier, they aren’t worth much. It’s the sad reality of how Indian parents think, and we hope that changes soon.
2. Ignoring Your Kids’ Nutritional Needs After A Certain Age
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Most parents forget that growing children need the proper nutrition for their adequate development. Don’t ignore your children’s nourishment just because they can eat on their own. Ensure that you don’t allow them to binge on junk food or unhealthy snacks, even if they love it. Prepare healthy food that boosts their development and continue to monitor what they eat.
3. The Comparison Game
Your kid scored 89% in their final exams, butSharma ji ki betigot 92%. How many times have you thrown this in your child’s face and blamed them for taking things lightly? You have probably used all the cliches in the book, like how many kilometers you walked to school or how you studied under a street lamp, and how your kids have it easy. Enough is enough. Stop the comparison and appreciate your kids for their hard work.
4. Expecting Your Children To Have The Same Dream As You
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For whatever reason, you could not become an IAS officer even though it was your dream, and that’s okay. It’s okay to have some disappointments in your life, but what’s not okay is expecting your child to achieve your unfulfilled ambitions. They have their own dreams and aspirations, and you have to be supportive parents who stand by them while they achieve theirs.
5. “When I Was Your Age…”
You’re probably lying if you say you haven’t used this phrase on your kids. Yes, you climbed mountains and fought wild animals just to get to school (note the sarcasm), but your kids don’t have to do the same to understand what hardships mean. They have their own. Your children don’t have to be pressured into getting married by 23 or have their whole life figured out by 25. It’s okay; let them live life at their own pace and stop rushing them.
6. The Not-So-Subtle Gender Bias
It’s the age when information is available at everyone’s fingertips. Kids are smart these days, and they keep up with what’s happening in the world. It’s time you stop defining them into gender roles and expect them to adhere to them. Girls don’t need to learn to make round rotis, and boys don’t have to excel in sports.
7. Dissing Mental Health Issues
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The last thing your child needs when they are suffering from mental health problems is to be told that they are throwing tantrums. No, it’s not because they use their phone too much or because they “just imagine things”. Listen to your child. Support them and help them with their mental health. Therapy is not only for “crazy” people; it’s for everyone who needs help navigating through life smoothly.
It might be difficult to shift our mindset and accept a new way of raising kids, but it’s the need of the hour. It’s never too late to make a change and be better parents for our kids. How many of these points could you relate to? Comment below and let us know.
