Surjit Singh Flora
In today’s hectic environment, many parents balance various jobs, with their occupations taking center stage. Busy schedules, limited quality time with children, and possible development and well-being issues might ensue. A number of scientific studies have examined how busy working parents affect their children.
Anxiety is a common mental health disorder that affects people of any age. Due to their calm and obedient nature, anxious children and teens often go unnoticed by their parents and teachers. Consequently, numerous individuals fail to receive the assistance they urgently require. Regrettably, if anxiety is left untreated, it can give rise to various issues in the future. These may include depression, missed chances in one’s professional and personal life, heightened substance abuse, and a general decline in overall well-being.
Parents frequently express that, from an early age, they sensed a distinction in their child but didn’t immediately identify it as an anxiety issue. Many parents hoped that their child would eventually overcome their challenges, only to find that their child’s condition worsened over time. Parents of anxious children and teens can often feel uncertain about how to proceed, along with experiencing frustration and a sense of being overwhelmed.
Indeed! Parents have a significant impact on molding their children’s behavior and values. However, for busy working parents, finding time to teach and instill important life skills can be quite challenging. Child development research reveals that parents who emphasize work above family may impact their children’s values. These kids may prioritize professions over material things.
Due to the pressure of studies and changes in life after the COVID period, the mental health of children has also been affected a lot. If your child is also struggling with stress or any other mental problem, you can take better care of them by:
Listen to your kid, support them, and ensure that they feel comfortable discussing their views and emotions. Nod your head or give short affirmative responses as the children listen. Don’t judge them for anything. Trust them and be patient.
Be honest with your child and make them feel that you are always there to support them through your words and gestures. Support them in their interests and try to build a beautiful relationship.
Make sure to acknowledge and appreciate your child’s accomplishments and efforts. Keep in mind that if you are angry or the child is not in a good mood, do not raise an issue. When you disagree with your child about something, take some time to think about how you and your child can work it out together.
Make sure your child never feels alone. Reassure them that you are always there to listen if they ever want to share something. Tell them that it’s easier to ask for help when someone is with you.
Try to spend time with your youngster. Ask about their day and activities. Allow them time and space. Tell them that kids become worried, agitated, and depressed.
Talk to your youngster about his emotions and thoughts. Sharing and seeking assistance is frightening but appropriate. If they don’t want to speak to you, they may recommend an aunt or uncle, older sibling, close friend, trusted teacher, elder, or doctor.
Encourage your kid to take breaks from academics, homework, and other activities to spend more time doing what they like.
Accept your kid regardless of gender and encourage them to have emotions and accept themselves. Love and nurture children of all genders and orientations.
You may inspire your youngster by defying gender preconceptions. Father can cook and clean, while mother plays sports.
Prioritize things that offer you pleasure and relaxation, such as creative hobbies, nature walks, reading, playing a musical instrument, and spending time with loved ones. These actions have deeper importance. They help children and teenagers develop pleasant emotions to fight stress.
(The writer is a veteran journalist and freelance writer).
