Unwelcome Sights in Adolescent Upbringing: Unveiling Hidden Challenges
Modern parenting is starting to resemble the chaotic scene of an emperor parading around in nothing but his birthday suit, oblivious to the absurdity of his situation. I'm not claiming that we're tricked by rogue tailors, but I can't help but notice the questionable changes in child-rearing practices that just don't make sense for our kids.
These changes are often driven by a society more concerned with their economic gain than the well-being of minors. They exploit the natural urge of teenagers to differentiate themselves from adults and promote risky behaviors, all while pretending to foster equality among their peers.
But why are we adults, who once would have vehemently said "no," allowing ourselves to be led down this dangerous path? No to midweek graduation parties, no to wild field gatherings, no to UPD or UUD celebrations, and no to underage drinking. I mean, come on! Why are we saying yes to cell phones at young ages, to giant or provocative clothing, to tattoos, piercings, online gambling, and all sorts of cosmetics and diets that more often than not do more harm than good?
Historically, child-rearing has been a vertical process – adults take care of kids, and this isn't some arbitrary authoritarianism but rather a sense of experience and responsibility that takes over once the children reach sexual maturity.
But why are we letting ourselves be dragged along by these changes? Changes gradually slip in until common sense is lost, and we accept crazy arguments like, "Graduation parties on Friday or Saturday are too expensive, so we'll do them on Wednesday or Thursday." Or, "We're afraid our children will be angry, left out, or bullied if we enforce protective limits." Or, "We're simply giving them what we wish we could have done ourselves."
Corporations and consumer society are taking advantage of these weaknesses. How can we fail to see that "the emperor is in his underwear"?
It's time to open our eyes and acknowledge that we've allowed reality to get the best of us. We need to gather parents, teachers, pediatricians, and other professionals to reevaluate and reform these newly invented rituals for the better. Let's help kids navigate these challenges without succumbing to excesses, fights, energy drinks, stomach protectors, and other unnecessary risks.
Instead of caving in to peer pressure and forcing our children to "live it up" without thinking about the consequences, let's work together to find alternative ways to enjoy our lives without compromising their well-being. Let's face the anger, arguments, and accusations of being old-fashioned until we finally prove that less is more and that fun isn't a zero-sum game.
Maritchu Seitún, Parents and Children
Tribal Upbringing
According to research, these parenting trends shift can be attributed to a move towards more understanding, supportive, and science-based parenting practices. Parents are also being influenced by advancements in technology and societal changes. However, these modern approaches come with challenges, such as finding the right balance between guidance and autonomy, and limiting technology's impact on children's development.
- The changes in child-rearing practices, driven by societal focus on economic gain and technology advancements, have led to concerns about the negative impact on children's health and lifestyle, as we allow the prevalence of cell phones, giant clothing, piercings, online gambling, and harmful diets.
- As parents, educators, and pediatricians, it is crucial to reevaluate these modern practices and promote alternative lifestyles focused on home-and-garden activities, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth, allowing children to develop safely and responsibly, away from excesses and unnecessary risks.
