Changing Attitude of Parents

SATYABRAT BORAH

Parenting is always  a dynamic process. Parents are constantly adapting to the prevailing societal, cultural and technological changes. Now a days the relationship between parents and children is going through significant transformation. The traditional notions of authority, discipline and responsibility is reshaped. Because modern parents are facing new challenges brought by rapid technological advancements, changing societal norms and shifting expectations about education and career success. This article tries to explore the key shifts in parental attitudes today. It also tries to explore the driving forces behind them  and the potential implications for children’s development.

In the past parents were very strict as per as decision making of their children is concerned. They also tries to control behaviour and even thoughts. But now a days  in many families  the relationship between parents and children are like a partnership rather than a strict hierarchy. Parents are more likely to engage their children in decision-making processes, value their opinions, and encourage open dialogue.

This change may be due  to increase awareness of child psychology and developmental theories which emphasize the importance of nurturing emotional intelligence, autonomy and critical thinking in children. Parents today recognize that fostering independence rather than enforcing obedience prepares their children for the complexities of the modern world, where creativity, problem-solving, and communication are key.

The concept of mental health awareness is gaining importance  in recent years and parents begins to place a greater emphasis on the emotional and psychological well-being of their children. Past  generations  focused primarily on physical health and academic performance. Now, parents are thinking more about the emotional needs of their children. They are more likely to encourage open communication about feelings, provide emotional support during difficult times, and seek professional help if their children show signs of stress, anxiety, or depression.

This change arises from the growing recognition that emotional well-being is essential for overall development and long-term success. As a result, many parents are actively working to create a more emotionally supportive home environment. This environment includes reducing pressure, fostering self-esteem, and helping their children develop resilience.

Education and career is always the central to parental concerns. But the nature of involvement has changed. Today, parents are more getting involved with their children’s education, from participating in parent-teacher meetings to helping with homework and extracurricular activities. In some cases, it's like "helicopter parenting," where parents closely monitor and guide every aspect of their child’s academic journey. While the intention is to ensure success, this level of involvement can sometimes destroy a child’s ability to make independent decisions.

Regarding career choices, many parents today attempt to find a balance between their own expectations and their children’s aspirations. In earlier generations often dictated career paths, today’s parents are more likely to encourage children to pursue their passions. Because parents now a days recognised that success in the modern world is not possible by following the traditional professions. But this change has to face its own challenges because parents may struggle to understand or accept unconventional career choices, particularly in fields like  arts, gaming or content creation, which have only recently gained legitimacy.

Technology has become an essential part of modern life. Parents in the digital age faces unique challenges. Many parents are struggling with how to manage their children’s screen time and online activities. There is a fine balance between allowing children to use technology for educational and entertainment purposes and protecting them from the potential harms like cyberbullying and inappropriate content.

 Some parents are allowing their children to explore the digital world freely but others are more cautious. They are implementing strict rules and monitoring online behavior. The main challenge here is finding the right balance. Technology is a valuable tool for learning and communication but it also requires careful regulation to ensure that children are not exposed to its negative effects.

Modern parents are struggling between being overprotective and encouraging their children to be independent. The world is increasingly looking dangerous in some case like safety in public spaces to online threats. So some parents become more cautious by limiting their children’s freedom to explore the world around them.

On the other hand, there is a growing recognition that overprotectiveness can destroy a child’s ability to develop critical life skills such as problem-solving, decision-making and self-reliance. Many parents are now trying to strike a balance by allowing their children to take risks in a controlled environment, by providing independence while still ensuring their safety.

Economic pressures have also significantly impacted modern parenting. The cost of living, education and health related issues has risen dramatically. These factors place additional strain on parents. Many parents work long hours or multiple jobs for they have limited time to spend with their children. So  as a result, parents may feel guilty and try to please them with material possessions or permissive behavior.

 Economic pressures can lead to increase expectations for children’s academic and career success.  Parents hope their children will achieve financial stability in an uncertain economic climate. This type of expectation create stress and pressure on children to perform.

Cultural shifts also play a significant role in how parents approach raising their children. In multicultural societies, parents may be influenced by both their own cultural heritage and the broader societal norms in which they live. This can result in a blending of parenting styles, where traditional values such as respect for elders and community responsibility are combined with modern ideals of individualism and self-expression.

For instance, immigrant parents may face challenges in reconciling the parenting practices of their native culture with those of the new culture in which they are raising their children. This can create tension, particularly when children adopt the values and behaviors of the society around them, leading to conflicts about identity, autonomy, and authority.

The rapid pace of change in the modern world has left many parents feeling anxious about the future. Global challenges such as climate change, economic instability, political unrest, and the unpredictability of technological advancements all contribute to a sense of uncertainty. In response, parents may feel an overwhelming responsibility to prepare their children for an unpredictable future. This anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways, from pushing children to excel in multiple areas to being overly cautious about their exposure to new experiences.

Parenting in the modern world is a complex and evolving process. Today’s parents face unique challenges that were not present in previous generations, including managing the impact of technology, balancing emotional well-being with academic success, and navigating the uncertainties of the future. The shift towards more collaborative, emotionally supportive, and flexible parenting reflects a desire to raise well-rounded, independent, and resilient children who are prepared for the complexities of modern life. However, the key challenge remains finding the right balance between guidance and freedom, support and independence, and protection and exposure.

As society continues to change, so too will the attitudes of parents toward their children, always adapting to ensure that future generations are equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

(Email: satyabratborah12@gmail.com)