Image: Shutterstock
社会改变了多年来,,current times, there are new lifestyle changes, needs, and more commitments in our daily lives. The conventional and standard theory about fathers being the breadwinners and mothers taking care of their children and home is slowly but surely dwindling. The concept of shared parenting has taken over, and there are multiple families where both the father and mother make ends meet with equal economic and parental contribution (1). Parents are now more aware of different parenting styles and tactics. But parents still face many issues and challenges in this daily exercise of fulfilling responsibilities while ensuring that their children get the best of everything. What are these challenges, and how to overcome them with the least amount of trouble? Keep reading to know more.
1. Topsy-Turvy Daily Routine
When it comes to parents’ personal and professional lives, there are always a bunch of endless duties they have to take care of. Stress, unforeseen problems, or things not going according to plan can further affect these responsibilities. All these factors affect the healthy routine of children, from their sleep to their homework to other distractions. Children may accept that as a usual way of life, which can cause issues with discipline. Research says there are concrete links between parent-child relationship quality and the child’s emotional and behavioral development (2).
2. Running Against Time
This may hit close to home for most parents. Time does not wait for anyone, so in this rat race of juggling household chores, office work, and personal development within a time frame, parents have a hard time managing all those tasks with kids in the house. Children mean the world to their parents, but sometimes, lack of rest and other responsibilities leave little room for them to spend quality time with their kids. Lack of attention towards children, irritability, or even unintentional neglect can cause an inferiority complex in them (3).
There is a set timetable for every task of the day, and it is equally important for parents to find a reasonable amount of time to spend with their kids. It could be an outing, a wholesome parent-child conversation, entertainment time, or other activities.
3. Lack Of Proper Nutrition
许多家长对th消息灵通的和严格的eir child’s nutrition. Even after taking considerable measures, things sometimes don’t go according to plan. Work, other commitments, and lack of time can lead to some compromises. Even after parents try their best to keep nutrition at the top of their chart, the child still shows nutritional deficiencies. It may be due to the availability of instant food and junk food everywhere. Harmful pesticides or chemicals in regular fruits, vegetables, and milk can also be a factor. Therefore, find ways to provide your child with freshly and properly cooked food to ensure that your child stays healthy and minimize visits to the hospital.
4. Increased Screen Time
This is a very specific and timely issue that many parents are constantly facing nowadays. It might seem minor, but its effects can be far-reaching and not in a good way. It is natural for parents to play some nursery rhymes or ask kids to watch cartoons when they are caught up with something else. But when it becomes a regular practice, it might lead to addiction. A study suggested that parental factors play a significant role in how long pre-school children spend time on gadgets (4).
A myriad of health issues can stem from excessive screen time. Bad eyesight is one of the most common conditions kids face today. Increased screen time also reduces physical exercise, adversely affecting their motor and physical skills. Fun outdoor playtime with their friends or parents every day can be a better option. Obesity or being overweight has been an increasing condition due to increased screen time (5). Use parental controls or settings on the content that the kids are consuming. Set a timer to avoid forcing them to turn off the gadget multiple times. Separate the meal timings from the screen and ensure they don’t watch while eating.
5. Absence Of Parent-Child Bonding
When both parents are working 9 to 5 or have busy work schedules, children are either at daycare or school. There are only a few hours in a day for parents to spend with their kids except the days off. Even when there is time to relax, the day’s work causes fatigue which does not allow parents to be active. An unspoken distance or wall can stand in the way of that emotional bonding between parents and children. The child will think twice before sharing or have trouble sharing anything with the parent and retreat to peers instead for advice.
Facing burnout is a natural occurrence for many parents nowadays. The cycle of constant hustle-bustle, sharing and distributing duties with a partner, and making sure that their child grows up into an emotionally and physically sound human being does carry a lot of responsibility. But despite all the challenges, many parents are now more aware and can guide their children toward a healthy and loving lifestyle. It deserves nothing but respect.
