Is Your Child Growing Up Too Fast?

In today’s information-overloaded, competitive rat race, many feel that children are growing up way too fast. Is your child losing his/her innocence too soon? Do a reality check:

1. Does your child have time to simply play? Or is his whole day spent in career-building pursuits?

2. Are his/her friends good or bad role models? Does he/she feel peer-pressure to follow the latest trends?

3. What movies, websites, music, books, TV shows are he/she interested in? Are they age-appropriate?

4. Does he/she still have his/her child-like enthusiasm and wonder? Or is he/she always ‘bored’?

5. Does he/she always want to dress up and imitate much older kids or adults?

Social influences force children to face grown-up realities before they are emotionally mature. As a parent you can take certain steps to prevent this:

•    Don’t force your children to be super-kids. Let them have enough time to play and have fun.

•    Listen to your child. Don’t give excuses like “I’m busy now”.

•    Educate your child about ‘grown-up issues’ like puberty, sex, drugs, rape, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual harassment, alternate sexuality, violence and terrorism. If needed, educate yourself and then teach your child. Remember – knowledge is the best protection.

•    Keep lines of communication open. Have a heart-to-heart talk at least once a week, if not daily.

•    Know your child’s world. Meet his/her friends. Watch his/her favorite shows, listen to music or read the books that he/she likes. It’ll help you to know your child better.

•    Maintain contact with your child’s teachers, as they’ll be able to advise you about his/her behavior.

•    Do not always criticize his/her choices or preach about correct behavior. However, enforce discipline if the need arises.

•    If your child comes to you with a problem, encourage the kid to ask questions and guide him/her to find the right answers.

•    Seek professional counseling if required.

Be a thoughtful guide-cum-friend, and help your child to grow up into a well-balanced, responsible and happy adult.