Being a parent in the 21^st century is not for the faint of heart. It is one of the most challenging tasks one can take on. Today’s children are growing up in a world surrounded by war, violence, drugs, alcohol, and social media information overload. Even the way children’s bodies develop has changed. Puberty is happening much earlier than before, and the rate of psychological, emotional, and behavioral issues is on the rise.

All these facts can make you feel inadequate as a parent and worry about these external factors threatening your child’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It is always parents who get the blame for what becomes of their children: they are judged as either too liberal or too strict. You may ask: is there a way to proactively meet the challenges of modern parenting?

Excessive Exposure to the Digital World

There may be rules for the 21^st century parent, but nothing can prepare you for the challenges that may shake you in your role. For one, there’s the Internet, which can be one of the most dangerous tools a young child can get their hands on. While it serves as an infinite source of information and knowledge, a few clicks of the mouse can lead your child to websites meant for adults only.

Modern technology can sometimes prove disadvantageous in terms of placing more power in your children’s hands and putting you at their mercy. If you don’t have the time to monitor and supervise your child’s access to the Internet, their physical, psychological, emotional, and behavioral health may be at risk. The World Health Organization has classified mobile devices as a probable source of radiation exposure, especially for young developing children. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to childhood obesity, and technology overuse may contribute to anxiety, sleeping disorders, low self-esteem, and other emotionally depressing conditions.

Family Atmosphere

Of course, you can’t be faulted for being a loving and committed parent. Sometimes, however, you need to take care of other things, especially if you’re employed or a single parent. No matter how well-intentioned you are, there are days when you may be too stressed and lacking in energy to do more than feeding and clothing your children and doing household chores.

Many of the challenges boil down to keeping the communication lines open between you and your children. When your kids sit quietly in front of a TV or play video games while you attend to your business, you are missing quality time to discuss issues that may be brewing on the home front, such as addiction, domestic abuse, etc. This creates an unhealthy environment for children to grow up in. As a parent, it is your duty to eliminate or minimize the risks and nurture your children in a setting filled with love, peace, security, and fun.

Meeting the Challenges

It’s true that raising children in the 21^st century is different than the way your parents brought you up. There is no school, instruction manual, or energy drink to help you become a super parent in this technology-driven century. The challenges may be getting harder these days, and you’re probably asking if you need to push your children more or allow them to suffer the consequences.

Parenting is a continuing journey. Not all days are good. Sometimes you are on a rocky path where your family is experiencing an emotional crisis that leaves the members groping for direction. There is, however, hope, if you’re in the right spirit to face the challenges. You need to model strength, courage, and self-care for your loved ones. Being a parent is time-consuming and requires much effort, but it is both a privilege and an honor.

You can meet the challenges of parenting with help from a right-fit counselor independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services — Pinehurst, NC. Don’t let the difficulties of parenting outweigh the pleasures you are supposed to derive from it, or the stress will make you vulnerable to a host of conditions. At the end of the day, parenting will bring you great joy that will impel you to build a legacy for your children’s future.

Call now and schedule an appointment with CCS — Pinehurst, NC, then sit back and enjoy the journey.

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• The 21st Century Family: Proactively Meeting Challenges
• Family Counseling: 10 Ways Your Family Can Benefit
• Seeing Family Challenges as Opportunities
• Resolving Family Conflicts the Positive Way
• Overcoming Reactive or Family Depression
• How a Family Can Battle Overwhelm Together