Why is a blended style of parenting preferable for Gen Z kids?

Dr. Kavita Nagpal

“Parenting is the greatest force that shapes the behaviour across generations. The world is changing at breakneck speed, so are the parenting styles. The children who are in school today will see a dramatically different world 15 years later.

The parent of a GenZ kid needs to ensure that they keep pace with the evolution of parenting. Gone are the days when parents would decide details for their kids. GenZ kids are Tech innate, Think in 4D, have a pragmatic and cautious approach towards life, are socially active, communicate with images, mature, brand conscious, and experience every facet of technology along with the fact that they do have lots of options to explore.

As a parent, we need to nurture an independent spirit, facilitate learning and guide our adolescent children to make well-informed decisions. Create an environment where these children are future-focussed, humble, and ready to innovate.

Be a facilitator take this evolution of parents in our stride, invest time and money in teaching them life skills- Financial literacy, Entrepreneurship. Allow them to explore their interests, however unconventional they may be.

In an era of digital culture, parents need to be digital literate. Equip children to deal with new-age challenges, let them know about digital citizenship.  It could be related to cyber security, accepting failure, allowing them to make home budget-related decisions using Expense Manager, Spending tracker, money saver apps thus inculcating the habit of smart budgeting, spending prudently, and saving. They must learn to control the urge to overspend. Explain to them the difference between need and want. Allow them to offer their opinion. Encourage them to negotiate and arrive at consensus decisions.

Do not forget to minimise possible online risks and harms against children from malicious hackers, cyber predators, cybercriminals, and other ill-intent cyber characters. Adopt respectful monitoring through parental monitoring software.

Create an environment of openness, check out the apps that your children enjoy, and engage yourself along with them. Like or comment on their views, pictures that they upload. Watch their favourite shows along with them. Teach your children the value of respect and love by listening to them and not just hearing them out. Leave aside your phone and attend to your children completely but don't be a helicopter parent. Become a child's pillar, disciplinarian, and anchor.

It’s believed that children do not come with manuals. We need to strike a balance between being supportive, being firm on rules and regulations yet being friendly. We cannot follow the rule of One Size Fits All. The style of parenting moulds as per the child’s behaviour. Parents need to reflect on the spectrum of parenting styles and adopt a blending style. A blended style of parenting will foster self-esteem and in bringing up confident and successful children.

The writer is Principal, Orchids The International School, Palagally (Masjid Bunder)

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