Page 34 - Silver Lakes Issue 3 March 2023

TODAY’S CHILD

PARENTING IN AN EVER-CHANGING WORLD

By Dr Ilse Ruane

e have successfully or not, A safe space Here are some parenting guidelines for our
depending on personal opinion, Asking a parent to create a safe space modern world:
Wnavigated the COVID-19 for their children to grow up in seems
pandemic. As for the ensuing political like a daunting task because so much is Lecture less and unpack more
confusion that has occurred over the past beyond our control. It’s hard to keep up Politics
few years, we’re probably all in agreement with the online world in which our kids Be cognisant of how you speak when
that it’s chaotic. practically live. They have direct access to watching the news, especially in the
live streams of violence and are exposed to presence of young ones. We must not
Despite our many challenges, South Africans pornography, self-harm tutorials, bullying mirror the aggression we are seeing in the
are proving to be resilient in the way we’re and other disturbing content. country or the world at large.
planning our lives around the ever-present
crises that are load shedding and water Parents, I understand that this new world is Try to remain calm and set a positive
restrictions. However, the political unease tricky for many of you to navigate because example for your children. Whatever your
provides cold comfort. And, when it comes you’re new to it. However, that doesn’t grievances with the political leadership, for
to parenting, concerns around our children’s mean your hands are tied. You need to example, the fact is that you’re living and
use of social media remain. think outside the box and come up with working here, so try to keep disparaging
new ways to focus on your family. You can comments and conversations away from
In addition, we’re facing an unknown fall back on what you know and use those young, impressionable ears. Positivity is a
future, and with the cost of living growing skills and experiences to create new ways challenge now, but that is exactly where
ever higher, is it any wonder that we are that work better than the current ways. the locus of control lies.
experiencing heightened feelings of anxiety,
and perhaps even depression? We need to
find ways of maintaining our mental health,
specially during these tough times.

It isn’t only us adults who are affected; so
are our children. How can you help them
navigate this world?

32 | INTRAMUROS MARCH 2023