The role of a parent – nurture versus nature.
Does a child come into the world pre-wired with certain characteristics that determine what he is going to be, or can parents and the environment influence his thinking and nature, especially during the formative years? As parents, this is something we ponder about a lot and it is the crux of the classic ‘Nurture versus Nature’ debate.
Research in fact shows that while some physical attributes such as hair colour are genetically inherited, drive, attitude and outlook can be shaped possibly by both genes and the environment. The Box on the right gives a partial list of where experts think parents can play a significant role. Children observe their parents all the time; parents are their role models and have a lot of influence in guiding and providing them the support they need to make wise choices.
Also, you will agree that parenting is a job that we are not likely to retire from. Starting with developing reading habits in your primary schooler to helping your tween balance academics and co curricular activities to guiding your teen in college choices, it is true that a parent’s journey is never complete.
How times have changed – the impact on parenting
Parenting has existed for as long as mankind has - why, then, is it so much under the scanner in the 21st century? Parents find themselves questioning and analysing their every move to check if it is right for the child. “Am I doing enough for my child to realise her potential? How much is too much? Am I stifling creativity?” Counsellors are inundated with queries, newspapers and magazines routinely carry articles about where parents are going horribly wrong (and some rare instances of what they are going right!). What is so dramatically different about parenting today?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Releasing Your Teens From Internet Lockdown
The new normal demands a large chunk of time to be spent online. For teenagers, time spent in online classes, assignments, project work, homework, tests and exams - all these add up to many hours a day, glued to screens. Furthermore, the current generation's usage of social media and online gaming is increasing day by day. So is parental anxiety about their children's wellbeing. How do parents help their teens and themselves?
Helping Children Manage Big Emotions
Parenting is a roller-coaster ride filled with loads of fun as well as moments where we feel as if we are walking on eggshells. When our child has an outburst, we either make frantic attempts to soothe them or end up having a fit ourselves. Though it appears as if we are stumbling in the dark when it comes to understanding our child's emotions, there is still hope. When armed with information about how to help them deal with their emotional challenges, we will be able to sit back and enjoy this ride. Read on.
HANDLING Fussy Eaters
Fussy eating is a part of normal childhood development — how we handle it will influence our children's future eating habits. Many mothers struggle with their children's eating habits. Some children are fussy eaters, while others are not as troublesome; so is fussy eating something to do with the child, or parents, or both? There is no one right answer, but there are things we can do so as to not fuel this problem further. Read on for some tips on dealing with your child's fussy eating.
DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES: 6 TO 16 YEARS
As parents, we eagerly look for the early milestones in our child's life - the first step, the first word. There are other equally important markers, rites of passage into independence, when our children are primary schoolers, adolescents or teens. What are these? When do these typically happen? What should a parent be watchful about? Read on. A child learns to ride a bicycle A teenager takes the local train by himself for parents, these milestones are as important as teaching opportunities as they are occasions to rejoice (with a sense of apprehension, of course). Let us examine some of these:
Cooking up stories together
Children and stories go together like birds and the open sky. Stories offer a place to soar uninhibited and unrestrained in their flights of imagination.
Books for Children
Book Reviews
Preventing Obesity In Children
Obesity in childhood has wide-ranging consequences hypertension, cardiac issues, emotional disturbances such as inappropriate behaviour, relationship problems, depression or an inability to learn.
Managing Exam Stress With Ayurveda
Stress and anxiety could hinder the thinking capability of students, especially in the times of pandemic when there is so much uncertainty around. For teenagers, appearing for exams is not just about the exam preparation but also about taking all the necessary precaution to safeguard their health. Read on.
Safety Products for Children
It is an undeniable fact that young children are our greatest treasure. The way they are nurtured and protected will have a huge impact on their future as well as society as a whole. So, is it not our foremost duty to safeguard them? Of course it is. That’s why we have featured below a list of products that will not only ensure your child’s physical safety but also give you peace of mind!
Boosting Immunity In Children
Children who learn to love physical activity in all of its forms will grow up to be adults who are active.
