Becoming Parents Today is Extremely Challenging and Stressful

Use of Mobile in Children's Upbringing, Economic Pressures, and Aggression Are Key Challenges

New York Times News Service
New York: Not just in India, but across the world, becoming parents in today's times is extremely difficult and stressful. With the increasing use of mobile phones (screen time), aggressive and violent content on the internet, and the stress of economic pressures, many parents and psychologists are becoming increasingly concerned about children's upbringing. Indian American psychologist Dr Vivek Moorthy says that one of the significant concerns today is the behavioural impact that is not being addressed in children's upbringing.

Dr Moorthy noted that the challenges for parents are growing because of factors like peer pressure, internet addiction, and social media. He believes that many parents are failing to recognize the risks these pose to their children's development. In a report released by the Pew Research Center, Dr Moorthy highlighted how the demands and expectations on parents today are vastly different from those in previous generations.

The study found that children are being exposed to news of violence, guns, and aggression, which has a deep psychological impact. Children are becoming more aggressive and, when their desires are not fulfilled, their frustration often manifests in damaging ways. Dr Moorthy advised parents to be cautious and attentive, as children are entering their formative years at an age when their emotional and social development needs the most care.

Parents Driven by Modern Economic Pressures

According to Dr Moorthy, many parents feel that they need to give their children everything they ask for, leading to an increase in spending on gadgets and luxuries. This modern form of anxiety is driven by the fear of economic inadequacy. However, he stressed that simply providing for material needs does not guarantee the emotional and psychological well-being of children.

Sociologist Shreyas Sen found that in the 1990s, parenting was not as economically driven, and family values were prioritized over providing every material desire for children. Sen suggests that today's parents need to strike a balance between emotional support and modern luxuries to ensure a healthy upbringing.