How can parents create supportive atmosphere for their children?

Surjit Singh Flora

Fostering a pleasant and supportive atmosphere for children begins with open communication. Encourage your children to communicate their emotions without judgment. Provide regular affection and admiration for their efforts, not just their accomplishments. Set clear limits with kindness and apply them evenly. Be a role model by demonstrating empathy and resolving problems amicably. Finally, set aside quality time together to enhance your relationship and foster trust.
So, communication holds significant value, yet it is equally crucial to exercise kindness when the situation calls for it. Make an effort to involve your child in your professional activities whenever feasible. Focus on them and participate in their preferred activities; this will enhance the bond between both of you. Children inherently seek their parents’ attention and approval; thus, astute parents leverage this desire to assist their children in multiple ways. Discipline encompasses the processes of instruction and acquisition of knowledge.
In order to facilitate your children’s comprehension of essential knowledge and to address behavioural corrections when required, it is imperative to engage in discussions that command their respect and ensure clarity of understanding.
So treat them as individuals. They simply lack the depth of understanding that we possess. Engage with them as mature individuals, allowing them to make their own decisions, and so forth. It is often surprising to discover the level of maturity they can exhibit.
Refrain from using physical force against them. It is advisable to refrain from that action. If individuals are not sufficiently mature to engage in a discussion regarding their missteps, they will lack comprehension of the reasons behind the punishment they are receiving. If they are mature enough to engage in dialogue, what is the reason for your aggression towards them? It is inappropriate to resort to physical punishment against another adult for their mistakes, thus it follows that one should refrain from using physical discipline on a child.
Engage with them respectfully and give them your attention. Encourage their enthusiasm for any topic and engage in active listening. Pose inquiries, participate actively. They will listen to you as well, for you have been their example.
Engage in conversation, spend time together, prioritize your interactions… However, it is essential to remember to take care of yourself as well. Both parents require time for themselves as adults. I maintain interests and social connections beyond my role as a mother, and participating in those activities rejuvenates me, allowing for more genuine interactions upon my return.
Additionally, consider researching gentle parenting! It is highly beneficial, even if not all methods are utilized.
Failing to dedicate sufficient time to children and overlooking their needs can lead to significant stress for them. Raising one’s voice or assigning blame prior to engaging in a conversation heightens their stress levels and may foster feelings of resentment towards their loved ones. Overlooking both positive and negative traits can result in feelings of depression. Furthermore, restricting their interactions with peers or facing criticism from educators regarding poor academic performance can lead them to a negative emotional state.
Regrettably, certain young individuals may even consider taking their own lives as a result of these overwhelming pressures. This emerged during our discussions with the children, who revealed various issues concerning their parents. We additionally engaged with their families and discovered that a significant number of these children originate from single-parent households. Few children came from large families, yet those who did often exhibited stronger communication skills, particularly with their grandparents.
Parents frequently anticipate flawless conduct from their offspring, thereby amplifying the pressure they experience. Although it is beneficial for children to reduce their screen time, it is essential for parents to manage their own phone usage and dedicate quality time to their children. This holds particular significance during examination periods. In the course of our discussion, the children brought up various concerns pertaining to their parents. Neglecting a child can have lasting impacts on their emotional, social, and cognitive development. Young individuals might experience feelings of being undervalued or neglected, potentially impacting their self-worth. Experiencing neglect can induce feelings of anxiety and depression, and in certain instances, it may escalate to profound depressive states. Individuals might experience frustration directed towards themselves or towards their loved ones, and this frustration can manifest as intense rage or anger. Young individuals may struggle to form meaningful friendships due to a lack of communication and socialization skills.
Disregarding can pose significant risks
Young individuals might begin to withdraw from social interactions, potentially intensifying their feelings of isolation. At times, individuals might engage in behaviours aimed at garnering attention, regardless of whether the outcomes are unfavourable. Insufficient attention to children can adversely affect their cognitive development and academic performance, leading to a lack of motivation and enthusiasm for learning. When children are deprived of opportunities for communication, it can hinder their language development and cognitive abilities, as they forfeit crucial learning experiences. Insecure attachment styles may develop, potentially impacting future relationships and emotional well-being in adulthood. The experience of emotional neglect can significantly elevate the risk of developing mental health issues in the future.
In summary, the neglect of a child can result in numerous adverse emotional responses, social difficulties, behavioural issues, and challenges in learning. It is crucial for caregivers to focus on children, providing the necessary support and communication essential for their healthy development. Communication holds significant value, yet the importance of kindness in our interactions cannot be overstated! Make an effort to engage your child in your professional activities to the greatest extent feasible. Focus on their interests and participate in the activities they enjoy; this will enhance the closeness between both of you.
Disciplinary measures are not beneficial.
It is essential to recognize that any form of punishment, including physical aggression, humiliation, social isolation, verbal outbursts, or reprimanding, is unacceptable. Such factors can negatively impact your child’s well-being and diminish their inner resilience. Effective parenting involves imparting knowledge about the significance of language and logical thinking, fostering the development of responsible and compassionate individuals who understand appropriate conduct. The assistance that families offer to their offspring, regardless of its correctness, can occasionally divert them from the appropriate course. It is essential to cultivate values of tolerance and ideals in children.
Encouraging open communication with them in both home and school environments is essential. Furthermore, it is crucial to periodically evaluate the mental well-being of children. Creating an environment that steers children in the right direction is crucial, and this duty encompasses not just parents and educators, but also society and governmental bodies.
Actually, When both parents decide to be the shining beacons of behaviour, it’s like a two-for-one special on role models! If you two are each other’s cheerleaders and see the glass as half full, your little one will probably think the glass is overflowing with fun! If you cheer them on to reach their potential while teaching them to keep going when they stumble, those are valuable lessons that parents can easily show off like a trophy on the mantelpiece!
But let’s be honest, this is about as simple and straightforward as herding cats on roller skates!
These days, a child can easily find themselves swept up in the whirlwind of influence from all sorts of characters they encounter on a daily basis-like a tiny social butterfly flitting from one quirky flower to another! When it comes to relatives, they share the same inherited genes, which is like having a built-in manual for understanding each other’s thoughts and feelings-because who doesn’t want to navigate the family drama with a little genetic help?
Well, buckle up! You’ve got a solid chunk of time-until they hit the teenage years and start rolling their eyes at you-to sprinkle your wisdom and charm all over them!
When it comes to their home sweet home, it’s like choosing between a cozy blanket and a cactus-either way, you’re in for an adventure! No matter how many shiny toys and fancy snacks you lay out, your kid will still find a way to look the other way!
Peace, tranquilly, compassion, and loyalty are like the ultimate superhero team-ready to save the day and make everything better!
(The writer is veteran journalist and freelance writer based in Brampton)

Editorial editorial article