The internet has complicated the process of parenting.
Raising kids demands great time and focus, requiring increased vigilance due to the multitude of risks present in the world today, including predators.
Parenting is no easy task, and regardless of your best intentions, children can still make poor choices or be adversely influenced by their peers, sometimes leaving parents feeling powerless.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that you are doing your best in your role as a parent.
Here are several suggestions:
1. Discipline is Essential
Instill in your children an understanding of right and wrong, and enforce discipline when necessary. Discipline isn’t a one-time effort; children can be defiant and will test limits to see if you are serious.
Continuously demonstrate that you won’t tolerate negative behavior and provide explanations for the consequences they face.
Physical punishment isn’t the only option for discipline; other methods, such as restricting privileges like screen time, limiting outings, or assigning extra chores, can be effective as well.
Also, avoid hypocrisy. Children learn by observing their parents. If you engage in negative behavior while trying to correct them for the same actions, your message will be ineffective.
2. Sex Education Must Come from You
Before your children are exposed to information about sex from television, the internet, friends, or neighbours, it’s vital that you initiate this conversation. Avoid casual or misleading explanations, such as stating that “you get pregnant if a man touches you.”
Although adolescence is a time filled with exploration and sexual feelings, it’s crucial to discuss the significance of love and commitment before engaging in sexual activity, the meaning of marriage, bodily awareness, discipline, respecting their bodies, resisting sexual urges, and avoiding risky situations.
3. Be Friends with Your Children
Make time for your children. Engage with them, play together, discuss various topics, and take them to enjoyable places like restaurants. While they should have respect for you as a parent, it’s also important for them to feel a friendly connection with you.
If your child experiences a crush or feels anxious or down, they should feel comfortable discussing it with you.
4. Be Mindful of Your Child’s Circle
The people surrounding your child—such as nannies, friends, neighbours, relatives, tutors, and teachers—can sometimes pose risks. It’s vital not to leave your children in the care of individuals who may harm them physically or sexually, as the lessons they impart can be damaging and irreversible.
Additionally, teach your children to speak up if anyone attempts to touch them inappropriately.
5. Limit Phone Use Until After Secondary School and Supervise TV Time
I recall a time when teens had to borrow their parents’ phones for texting. They would often note, “Don’t reply, it’s my dad’s phone” at the end of their messages.
A ten-year-old should never have unrestricted access to a phone with various social media platforms. If they require internet access for schoolwork, it must be monitored closely. The internet contains a plethora of dangers, far worse than what can be found on television.
In the past, acquiring pornographic material required purchasing a CD, but now children can easily stumble upon explicit content online or interact with strangers who encourage inappropriate behavior.
Instead of screen time, encourage reading, learning new skills such as coding, and participating in sports, music, dance, and other productive activities.
To conclude, strive to safeguard your children by discussing values and morality with them. Teach them about contentment, with the hope that they will carry these lessons into adulthood.
