Embracing Boredom- #1 Secret to Reduce Kids' Screen Time

Are your children constantly glued to screens? Excessive screen time has become one of the biggest challenges for parents worldwide. From whining for devices to full-blown tantrums when they get taken away, limiting technology feels like an ongoing war against the ultimate nemesis - boredom. But what if we tell you that embracing boredom can solve all these parenting issues?

Rather than being the dreaded enemy, boredom is the #1 secret to reducing kids' screen time while igniting their creativity, curiosity, and authentic potential.

Let kids learn to embrace boredom!

By learning to surrender to healthy bouts of under-stimulation instead of rushing to fill them with digital entertainment, we provide our children's brilliant minds with fertile soil to blossom. Boredom provides the open space for organic growth, self-discovery, and engaged living that's proven to reduce unhealthy device reliance.

The Cultural Shift Away from Boredom

In previous generations, childhoods were rich with pockets of boredom woven naturally into the cadence of life. Kids spending unscheduled hours playing outdoors, making up games together, or watching parents complete household chores was commonplace and offered them time to simply be and explore.

But in today's hyper-scheduled, nuclear families are unable to offer children organic under-stimulation. Driven by academic pressures and overstuffed with enrichment activities, spontaneous boredom takes a backseat.

Parents understandably pacify kids with devices out of fear of them feeling bored and restless. Yet in doing so, we inadvertently deny them the incredible screen-free, creativity-sparking, brain-boosting experiences boredom provides.

The Imaginative Benefits of Childhood Boredom

When children are free from easy digital entertainment and have to reckon with periods of under-stimulation, something almost magical happens. Their native brilliance and resourcefulness come forth in extraordinary ways.

Forgotten household objects become the centerpiece of elaborate fantasy worlds. Couch cushions swiftly transform into ship captains' quarters. Flowers, twigs, and rocks become raw material for an elaborate tea party.

These spontaneous acts of innovation don't simply flex creative muscles. They're vital cognitive exercises too, helping solidify neural pathways for abstract thinking, problem-solving, metacognition, and more. When kids work through boredom versus instantly gratifying it digitally, these crucial capacities for original thought get reinforced.

Tap Into Children's Authentic Interests

Another profound gift of boredom is that it helps reveal a child's authentic interests, talents, and callings. One child may find themselves instinctively drawn to lyrical self-expression through poetry or storytelling. Another discovers an untapped love for tinkering, transforming everyday items into simple machines and original games.

Gift of boredom leads to creativity in kids!

It's through still moments of unstructured presence, independent from non-stop stimulation, that kids get to truly know themselves. Their budding passions, questioning minds, and quests for mastery begin sprouting. This self-discovery is the fuel for cultivating engaged, joyful childhoods. Such moments naturally reduce kids' screen time and pave way for character-building.

Boredom's Role in Character Development

By allowing healthy, minimally structured idleness without constantly re-stimulating digitally, crucial social-emotional skills take root. Here are some subtle benefits that children will experience through navigating boredom-

1. Delayed gratification

Working through natural under-stimulation builds self-regulation, delayed gratification, grit, and resilience - core foundations for academic, social, and life success. Kids develop perspective and motivation as they learn to self-soothe through restless lulls instead of being rescued by entertainment.

2. The ability to be in the present moment

Boredom even nurtures the ability to simply be present. With lives so often hurried from one scheduled activity to the next, these quiet pockets teach children how to embrace stillness, mindfulness, and self-awareness. This comfort with one's own company cultivates emotional intelligence.

3. Forming meaningful connections

Fighting against childhood boredom can rob kids of gaining invaluable traits for social engagement. As parents, we need to normalize "un-stimulation" and help raise children primed for meaningful connection with themselves and the world around them.

Becoming Okay with Our Children’s Boredom

The idea of the child getting bored may spark panic for parents accustomed to keeping kids constantly occupied for structured learning and enrichment. Leaving unscripted pockets of under-stimulation can feel tantamount to neglect. Here’s how parents can overcome this hesitation to embrace boredom as a natural part of growing up -

1. Providing the right balance 

Alternating focused family time and educational activities with sprinklings of unscheduled freedom throughout each week can help children embrace the freedom that comes with not running from one activity to another all week. It will also help them think beyond passive entertainment from the screens.

Every day let kids have free time and indulge.

2. Scheduling daily “free-time”

By weaving in bite-sized boredom breaks within a schedule that tends to children's core needs, parents can help kids build independent self-entertainment abilities. Even just 10-20 minutes daily of unstructured downtime works wonders for tapping into their creativity and keeps them productively engaged minus the screens.

3. Don’t fix something that’s not broken

The other key is reframing our mindsets around boredom. When your child first declares "I'm bored!", resist the urge to problem-solve instantly. Get curious instead! Remark on the open creative space they now have, prompting them to dream up ideas organically. Tell them about your own growing-up years and how you spent your time without screens and with other human beings.

Include screen-free family fun time!

4. Walk the Talk

When children see their parents constantly connected to devices, being distracted, and filling in every free minute with some activity or the other, they will certainly emulate that as well. Let your children see you embracing boredom and enjoying the bliss of doing nothing. Sit and stare at the sunset together. Play ‘I spy’ sitting on the balcony. Let them see you soaking in the moment.

In conclusion, a validating, non-judgmental approach helps children embrace boredom with curiosity. Parents must model that unstructured time is not something to fear or fix, but an invitation to channel one's inner genius. 

So, next time the cry of "I'm sooo bored!" echoes through your home, take a breath and resist the instinct to re-stimulate. Trust in the fertile potential unfolding, giving your child's brilliant imaginative capacities room to blossom from the quiet stillness.

—------------

If you are a parent of children aged 0 to 12 years and want to get onto the path of conscious parenting, along with a mentor and thousands of fellow co-travelers on this parenting journey, join The Parent Academy, a unique parenting academy where you will learn how to become the best version of yourself as a parent. Our flagship course titled “The Art and Science of Peaceful Parenting” is a one-of-its-kind comprehensive course for parents to learn about effective communication with kids, handling parenting issues, creating a lasting bond with children, and creating the right foundation for your child’s success.

 

Visit - www.theparentacademy.co

Whatsapp community for parents - https://chat.whatsapp.com/DxX1Uusi5IfFhWUKChu0ZD

Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/40s0ZxCEh6zWciW2TBLG9k?si=n0OG1_bVSQilhZH00n2uBg

Email - ritika@theparentacademy.co

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/parentacademyindia

Author - This post is written by Ritika Subhash, Founder of The Parent Academy, host of the Parenting Truth and Dare Podcast, and creator of The Art and Science of Peaceful Parenting Course. She is an education technologist, a certified child and adolescent counselor, a storyteller, and a children’s author too. She is coaching hundreds and thousands of parents in the art of conscious parenting and is an international speaker for parenting and education.

 

How to transform your defiant child into a cooperative one?

A defiant child disobeys, talks back, resents, and does not listen to parents at home and/or teachers in the classroom. It is a normal part of child development especially when kids are at toddler stage or in adolescence. Also, every parent has to experience this phase but to varying degrees.

Dealing with a defiant child is hard!

However, the noncompliance mode of the child constantly puts the parent in a fix. Every time the answer one hears is negative. The growing temper tantrums and defiant attitude of the child as young as two make the parent go crazy. Unfortunately, the frustration of parents only spoils the atmosphere as they cannot reach the right solution which can bring about an amicable environment in the house. 

Moreover, sometimes, the child is too small to understand the reason behind the instruction. On the other hand, the parents fail to see beyond the disobedience and ultimately yell and feel helpless at such times.

If you are one such parent, wondering how to handle your defiant child then first discover what causes defiance in children. Read on to know the causes.

Causes of Defiance in Children

Here are causes that are responsible for defiance among children-

Kids are testing your limits

When you set boundaries and rules, your kid may try to test whether you mean it or not. If they get away without any consequence you had specified, they are going to disobey. 

Kids copy the behavior

Sometimes, young children watch such behavior on TV. shows and want to try the same. Higher exposure to programs and video games that depict aggression or defiance may cause children to follow the attitude.

They are experiencing big emotions

Big emotion may cause disobedience in children

Toddlers and young kids do not understand big feelings and they don't know how to process such emotions. They may feel overwhelmed, angry, frustrated, or disappointed and may display aggressive behavior.

Kids may have needs that are not met

Kids may feel tired, thirsty, angry, or sleepy and they don't know how to explain the same. They express their needs by acting out/ throwing tantrums.

Kids crave attention

Kids crave attention especially when you have guests at home or you are on a call. Throwing tantrums or hitting other kids is an easy way for them to seek your attention!

Tweens or preteens demand independence

Kids in preteens rebel to prove their abilities to think and act on their own. They want to do things in their own way and that's why they may disrespect you, break your rules, or argue a lot. Even toddlers show such acts to prove their independence.

They may have mental health issues

Sometimes, mental health issues such as ADHD are the reason behind kids being a rebel or argumentative. Disobedience and defiance can be a symptom of disruptive behavior disorder, oppositional defiant disorder ( ODD), or mood disorders.

                      

Child Development from Birth to Eight

from: RedShelf

How to Discipline Defiant Child?

Almost every other parent is searching for solutions to deal with their defiant or disobedient child.  The daily power tussles create an environment of unhappiness and stress at home.

It is quite a common scenario in most families where the parents do not know how to restore happiness and peace at home. Being hard with kids, scolding or punishing the defiant child does not bring in desired results?

Then, what can you do?

To overcome such instances and build a loving connection between you and your children, here are 10 parenting tips to discipline a defiant child effectively, read the following now-

Check the unmet needs of your child

Check if your child is overtired, hungry, or sleepy. Treat them accordingly. Encourage them to take a nap, drink water, or eat something. This would naturally mellow down their misbehavior and later you can talk to them about what to do in such a situation.

Understand their triggers

Understand when they defy often such as when things are done hurriedly. Or anything that they don't like and they throw tantrums. When you can get their pattern, you can easily take measures to avoid their misbehavior.

Set clear boundaries

Punishing defiant child is not solution!

State your expectations clearly and firmly. Also, mention the consequences if kids do not follow. However, set age-appropriate guidelines such as "put your toys back in the box" instead of "clean your room" for a 5-year-old.

In case, the child does not follow through, take the action that you had intimated to them before.

Stay calm during big emotions

Staying calm and gentle becomes more important when your child is going through big emotions. When your child yells back, you need to be calm in the storm. Your kind words can put their fears to rest and they are likely to follow your guidelines.

On the other hand, an angry tone cannot calm down an angry, defiant child!

                                               Book Club for Kids

Treat them the way you want to be treated

Some days you may have a bad mood or bad circumstances and you may expect people to be gentle with you. The same applies to your child. They may have a bad day at school or disappointment while playing. Treat them well with kindness and speak lovingly. This would help them to learn good behavior even when they are in a bad mood.

Give them choices

Nobody likes to be controlled. When you ask them to follow your instructions, they may feel a lack of freedom to decide for themselves. To deal with this situation with your defiant child, give them choices so that they feel in control.

When children get to decide what they want, they won't show defiant behavior.

Try to strike a deal

Using logic may help when your kid is defiant and does not listen. You can show them the consequences if they continue their behavior and what would they lose. If they agree to follow how they can benefit and what you can do as per their liking.

For example, if your child does not want to go home after playing, they won't get to see their favorite show on time. But if they decide to leave after 5 minutes, then they will get to watch TV.

Appreciate the good behavior

Another way to get the defiant kid to listen to you is by appreciating the good in them. Compliment them for their efforts and good behavior. You may say-

"Your help means a lot to me."

"You are doing this so well."

" I saw you have been kind to your younger sister, that's amazing!"

Include Positive Reinforcements

When your child complies with your instruction, reward them with some kind of token. You may create a reward chart wherein they get points/ stars for every acceptable behavior. This would encourage the child to obey and behave well.

Set an example

Listen to your child with full attention. Keep aside your mobile phone while playing with them. When you give adequate attention, you will see a drop in tantrums and in defiant behavior. 

Also, check your responses when you are angry, or frustrated. When you choose to be kind and calm in a tough situation, kids learn and imitate the same behavior.

The above defiant child strategies would help you to handle your child better and maintain a stress-free atmosphere at home. In fact, now you can experience the following-

1. your defiant child saying yes to your instructions
2. converting bad moods of the child into happy mood
3. averting tantrum scenes in public places
4. initiating good behavior in kids
5. instilling the feeling of love and security among the children
6. replacing frustration with a peaceful environment

FAQs Related to Defiance Behavior in Children

What if the above parenting strategies do not work?

If the above strategies do not work to reduce defiance behavior in your child, then consult your child's pediatrician.

I suspect an underlying mental health issue with my child, what should I do?

An expert mental health professional can evaluate the emotional issues in your child that are causing behavioral problems.

Does defiance behavior mean Oppositional Defiant Disorder in my child?

Toddlers and teenagers often defy the instructions of their elders. It does not mean they have any mental health condition. Also, at times kids are focused on one activity, and asking them to switch to the next task is hard. It is not always defiance or a mental health concern while raising children.


Follow the above parenting tips to transform your defiant child into a cooperative one and say bye to parenting stress.

Reference sources-

https://www.parentingforbrain.com

https://www.verywellfamily.com/

https://www.variationspsychology.com/

          

Cool Easter Gifts for Kids This Year

Easter is approaching fast. The excitement to celebrate and meet the extended family is soaring high. So is the excitement to decorate, and buy essentials as well as gifts for family and friends. And how can we miss cool Easter gifts for kids and families? That's the most exciting part, isn't it?

Choose unique Easter gifts for kids!

Looks like you are still figuring out the gifting part for Easter. Not to worry! We have curated a list for you. Choose your pick from this amazing list of gifts for kids, from babies to teenagers.

Amazing Easter Gifts for Kids in 2024

You are going to love these gifting ideas for children, check them out quickly and thank us later!

Bubble Bath Bomb

Make bath time fun for kids. Throw these bath bombs in the tub and let the kids have a fun time during the bath.

bath bombs for kids

These come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. Moreover, some of them have toys inside, making them great gift options for toddlers.

Plushies as Easter Gifts for Kids

Aww! Kids love them so much. There is nothing like too many of these. Animal stuffed toys are a favorite among babies, toddlers, and even school-going kids. Some animal toys are egg-shaped too, which makes them really adorable.

Plush animals as Easter presents for kids!

Bunnies, giraffes, lions, owls and so many other stuffed toys grace the kids' room. What are you adding to your list of Easter presents for your toddler or baby?

                                    Discover amazing plush toys here and buy now!

Mini Journals for 6+ years old kids

Gift your kids a mini journal wherein they can share their thoughts. These are so cute, colorful, and adorable that kids would love to possess. Very affordable and just right gifts for your kids and little ones in extended families, buy these for Easter!

DIY Kits for Crafty Kids

Craft gifts for kids!

Art and craft-loving kids would love to have DIY kits as Easter presents. They like to create new stuff with their little hands and decorate their room with new creations. It helps them unleash their imagination while staying occupied for long hours.

No these are not expensive, very reasonable, and easy-to-use kits. Check one such DIY kit for kids here-

DIY Material Package Arts Crafts Making Kids Pillow Handmade Plush Toys Parent-Child Interactive Toys

Gifts for Young Readers

Books are close friends of growing kids. No matter, how many times they go through the same book, it gives them immense pleasure to read and experience a good time.

A book subscription is therefore, the ideal gift for young readers. Every month, a box of age-appropriate books gets delivered to their doorstep which they can enjoy.

Curious to know more? Click the banner given below to find out about Book Subscriptions-

                                

Sleep Wear for Your Baby

A good night's sleep is what you and your baby need. Buy breathable and comfortable sleepwear pajamas for your baby and ensure utmost comfort for him/her. That's the best gift for your baby on Easter.

Alternatively, you can check out this lovely sleeping bag for your baby, click to buy now!

Unique gifts for 10 years old and above

If you are a parent of ten years old and above then art supplies, candies, chocolates or stuffed animals may not be their type. They are growing fast and would expect something more age-appropriate. 

Consider tough puzzles, science kits, sports equipment, or theme-based games for them.

You may also consider their interests and hobbies such as interest in musical instruments, gardening or love for superheroes. Accordingly, you may pick the right gift for them.

                                                                For US

Gift Baskets for Kids and Family

Want to send gifts to family living in the other state. Here is a wonderful option that kids and their parents would love alike. This gift box is ideal for Easter celebrations and gifting purposes. Click this link above to buy your pack now!

                                

                                                          Easter Kringle Gift Box

Available in different flavors such as Almond, Cheesecake, chocolate chip, raspberry, strawberry, and many more. If you want to check out more gift options for Easter then check out the online store Wisconsinmade.com

Stop reading and just click to get this beautiful gift delivered to the desired doorstep!!

This is not finished yet!

Easter Printable Games for Kids

Add some cool fun to your Easter celebrations! Kids love to play with their family members and it's more important than having toys and other gifts.

We have got you covered!

                      

With little investment, get access to amazing printable games that you can download right away. This would ensure a whole day filled with fun and laughter.

But friends, a celebration is incomplete without mouthwatering recipes. While we have curated gifting ideas for your kids, we also bring an amazing resource with amazing Easter recipes for you.

Get access to 49 Delicious Easter Recipes and create magic! Click to buy now!

             Easter Greats: Delicious Easter Recipes, The Top 49 Easter Recipes

May all your eggs, bunnies, and baskets be small reminders of the love that God has for each of us. Wishing a Happy Easter from your family to yours. 

Nurturing The Parent-Teen Bond with Expert Tips

Dealing with teenagers, understanding them, and developing a close bond has become tougher. More and more families are witnessing a disconnect with their teen kids and struggling to build the right bond among them. In such a scenario, it is vital to take the help of an expert and follow their tips to nurture the parent-teen bond.

How to Nurture Parent-Teen Bond?

Expert Advice on Parent-Teen Bond

To help you overcome this difficult phase, we talked to Parenting Expert, Priyanka Joshi, who has supported 1000+ teens and families through her coaching. Read on to get expert tips and insight on raising teenagers effectively while building a strong bond with them.

Priyanka, you are a Teens and Preteens coach, what inspired you to become one, and for how many years have you been in this field? 

I have been a Success Coach for 10 Years and started my work with Teens around 5 years back.

I grew up with a lot of complexes around my academic abilities. It was not because I wasn't capable of doing well, but the way our teachers made us feel. When I became a life coach I understood the importance of emotions and mindset. I understood how people around a child have a major role to play in shaping his or her personality. This knowledge inspired me to empower kids and parents to redefine parenting, so that kids grow in an environment that brings out the best in them, not an environment that focuses on their shortcomings and weaknesses.

 Teenagers and Positive Body Image

Nowadays, kids are so conscious about looking in a certain way. What are your tips to create a positive body image among teens? 

Teenagers do get conscious about looks. It's part of growing up. But we must not allow that to become a part of who they are:

Find what you value.

 We as parents and uncles and aunts must help them see what’s inside. We must have more and more conversations about the qualities and personality traits. Observe how much we value external appearance and the kind of conversations we are having with our friends. Children pick a lot of stuff from our conduct, behavior, and our conversations with others.

Get to know them very well

One way of building a positive body image is to appreciate their positive personality traits. Get to know them really well, their thoughts, their feelings. This will help you admire their unique personalities and talents. When you know them very well, it will be easy to genuinely appreciate them for who they are. You cannot fake an appreciation because that will break their trust in you. More than words, it's the feelings that get communicated in a parent-child relationship.

Be aware of their social media consumption

Monitor social media exposure of your kids.

Be aware of the content they are consuming on social media. Have conversations around the kind of content they are watching and the opinions they are forming about the content. This will help you know if they are heading in the wrong direction. Help them choose content that is interesting as well as informative. 

Listen to them with every cell of your body

Listen to them, give them your undivided attention when they are talking. This part is not easy for parents, because we always have something to tell our child. But listening is where all the change begins.

We cannot change the environment, but we can change the way we parent and connect. As parents, we should be the first ones to make our children feel heard, valued, and seen. 

 When we value their qualities, skills, and talent and love them for who they are, they will develop a positive body image. 

Disconnect Between Teens and Parents' Relationship 

The gap between parents and teens is growing.

Often kids feel disconnected from parents in their teen years. What do you think are the main issues that kids feel disconnected from their parents? Also, suggest some parenting tips to reduce the communication gap between parents and teens.

 

Understand a Teenager’s mind

Children start developing an independent mindset from the age of 10 or 11. It may vary by a year or two. With every passing year, they want more control over their lives. The struggle starts when parents cannot allow control because they are worried about the safety of their children. 

By the time a child hits teens, there are hormonal changes, that are playing havoc with their bodies and minds. There are a lot of new things happening in their outer and inner world. There are times they are ashamed or they are confused about these changes. This is also a time when they are reminded that they are not kids anymore and that they need to start acting like one. Parents love to give instructions and children hate lectures.

Take a balanced approach 

Start this approach early, Give your child control whenever possible. In low-risk situations, e.g.: what color to paint the room, the kind of clothes they want to wear, so you can be in control in high-risk situations e.g.: when to ride a bike, staying out with friends, etc.

You can also involve them in making decisions when choosing a holiday destination or what to order for dinner etc.. Make them feel like have control wherever you can. They might not make the best decisions all the time but they learn. It's always better to mess up when you have their backs rather than later.

Open communication and conversation are the keys to raising a calm and peaceful teenager. Identify a time of the day, when you sit together as a family to watch an old album or play a game that does not involve a device. 

Learn Emotion Regulation Techniques

Teen years come with anger and aggression issues. Handling aggression with anger and aggression can cause a teenager to become an aggressive adult. We need to be the calm to their storm, so they learn to manage difficult emotions from us. Most parents allow their ego to take over and yell back or try to control a teenager’s behavior.

Parents need to be calm and supportive and not be lecturing and nagging. Lecturing and nagging never get the message across but it can cause a teenager to become more aggressive and disconnect.

Practicing mindfulness with kids.

Additionally, parents can introduce a culture of mindfulness practices in their families even before the child hits teens. Mindfulness practices help activate the part of the brain that helps solve issues calmly.

 Screen Time and Growing Kids

I am sure it's a common issue that every parent is looking for a solution- how to reduce the screen time of preteens and teens effectively? 

There are two aspects to this-

 A) Establishing boundaries 

B) Encouraging the child to respect those boundaries.

1.    If a child’s screen time is very high, bring it down little by little. A drastic change will not be received well.

2.    After watching a lot of high-frequency video content, their brain loses the power to make the right decisions. Don't have the conversation around boundaries when your child has already watched a lot of media.

3.    It should be a time when everyone is calm and open to a discussion. Identify a weekend when everyone is relaxed and open.

4.    Moreover, teens listen to their friends more than their parents. Look for ways to become their friends. Playing a game or watching their favorite videos with them is one way.

5.    Have conversations about the damaging impact of high screen time. Have conversations about the addictive nature of devices. Ask them for a window when they would like to be on devices. Inform them about the times they will not be allowed devices before and after these hours and be firm about it.

   Teenagers and Mental Health Issues

5. Nowadays, more and more teenagers are facing mental health issues such as depression. As parents, how can we address the issue and ensure a positive mindset for our kids?

 

More teenagers are dealing with mental health issues.

Quite many factors contribute to mental health issues in children such as 

1) Home environment where children don't feel heard and valued

2) Children absorb the energy and vibrations from their environment. If parents are stressed and unhappy, children will subconsciously catch it. A small amount of stress is not a concern, but when it becomes chronic, it can start to take the shape of depression and anxiety

3) Social Media also has a role to play. Content that a child is watching numbs the brain and it's causing them to reduce other activities that require physical and mental effort. Physical movement and exercise release happy hormones. It helps in both mental and physical wellness.

4) Extreme bullying by peers and teachers can also contribute to mental health issues.

 

Practices to Foster Emotional Well-being of Teenagers

 

Magic is in the simple and small things of life. 

I highly encourage parents to make family time a regular practice at home.  Identify a time in the day or week, where everyone talks about the day and experiences throughout the day.. Make it a no-device hour or 30 mins. Create a space where children can share both unpleasant, anxiety-causing experiences and happy joyful ones as well.   Keep it light and open, so the kids feel free to share their emotions. In addition, keep in mind the three elements of this practice to make it work. 

Undivided attention

Give undivided attention to the child when they are sharing their experience. Show interest and do not try to hurry up while they are pouring their emotions.

Empathize with your child.

Empathize

Show that you understand and value how they feel?  For example, you can say, "I am so sorry that you had to face that." 

Acknowledge

Acknowledge their experience. For example- "That must have felt terrible. How do you feel about it now?"

If your child comes to you with a problem any other time of the day, give them your complete attention and empathize. No matter how small the problem sounds to you, in their world, it can be a big issue. Listen and respond to them, like how you would respond to your spouse or a friend. Subsequently, they will learn to value the feelings of others when their feelings are valued.

Mindfulness Parenting

Always have a mindfulness practice to start and end your day. Also helping children practice mindfulness in fun ways can be quite a game-changer.  These practices have helped me in my parenting journey and many clients that I have worked with in the last decade. 

Let them know "you have their back"

Don't assume, say it. Tell your child that they can always come and talk to you when they feel stressed, bullied, or sad. We assume that our kids know this, but they don't.

Learn and teach Emotional Awareness

Teaching kids to understand emotions and process them is very important.  Our school systems and society pay zero attention to emotions and their role in success and happiness. If parents will not take ownership to become emotionally literate and pass it on to their children, then the road ahead for the child can be pretty rocky. These practices will not only allow a child to develop healthy relationships with emotions but also help keep mental health issues at bay.

Conclusion

We must also have conversations with our kids about how we can strengthen and deepen our bond with them. Author of Inspirational parenting, Alex Urbina who shares an amazing bond with his daughter, asks her how he can deepen the bond they share. He says” It has done wonders for the relationship. Our endeavor should always be to meet our children’s emotional needs so well that they don’t have to go out seeking validation." 

Priyanka Joshi

Priyanka Joshi is a Certified Success and Performance Coach from Symbiosis Coaching, Canada.  She is a certified NLP and Access Bars Practitioner. In her decade-long coaching journey, she has worked with colleges like GL Bajaj, GNOIT, Jaipuria Management Institute, Indirapuram to bridge the skill gap.

 

She has empowered more than 1000 Teens and families through her 1:1 and workshops and webinars. Her signature programs include CAP methodology of Parenting (4 weeks), and Mindful Scholar (6 months course for Tweens & Teens).         

Reach out to Priyanka Joshi for guidance through her website- priyankajoshi.in