Parenting: How to Raise a Child
in the 21st Century

You may wonder at how children in this generation can learn to navigate smartphones, iPads and other hi-tech gadgets with a general sense of ease and confidence, when you can hardly use them, but for their most basic functions. There is no doubt the 21st century children are more cued-up than the youngsters of the previous generations, yours included. In the midst of the 21st century issues and worries, it is valid to feel worried about raising a child.

Being In-Touch with 21st Century Issues

If your child is spending more time playing computer games, hanging out on Facebook or texting than reading books, doing housework or developing a skill in sports, arts or music, it is not odd in this generation. Almost every household with a child in it have the same problems. These are not the only issues that your child will bring to your doorstep; there are others.

You may not be able stop them from being negatively influenced by technology, but you can be educated about the modern issues that affect your children so you can guide and safeguard them from possible dangers. Knowledge is empowering; it can make a world of difference when raising a child.

No Need to Reinvent the Wheel

There are a lot of bad things that can happen to your children, whether they are in your home under your watchful eyes or outside with others. Some basic rules about parenting still work, but you may need to give credence to the stronger influences of the social forces and technologies to be able to work around them.

You may continue being cautious, but there is no need to smother them by overdoing it. Build a relationship that’s centered on trust, which fosters open communication and instills confidence, rather than fear. Continue to make them feel secure with your love, so they’ll know they have a safe home to go to when they feel forsaken, frustrated, unhappy and alone.

Be a Proactive Parent

As your child surfs the Internet and sees images of perfect-looking bodies, their concept of self-image will change. As online stores bring shopping to your home, they will realize the power of mom and dad’s plastics. Your child can get bullied even without leaving home with cyber bullying. Over and above these, certain issues have lingered from which you must guard your children against – teen pregnancies and parenthood, smoking and drinking, and peer pressure.

No, you can’t stop the world from evolving, but you can raise a child who is stable, well-adjusted and resilient. There are savvy ways to do that, one way is by partnering with child experts and therapists such as the ones contracted by Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC. So, when the going gets tough for you or your child, call CCS for an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!

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