Parenting
Parenting a Teenager? 10 Tips to be Their Best Friend
In today's world, parents often face a significant dilemma when raising a teenager. During this stage of life, the teens strive for independence while still requiring guidance and support from their parents. Striking the right balance between being a parent and being a friend to an adolescent child is quite challenging. Let’s take a look at some effective tips for parents to establish a strong, supportive, and amicable relationship with their teenage children.
10 Tips for Parents to Form Friendship with Their Adolescent Children
Open Communication
Strong parent-teen bond hinges on effective communication. Parents should endeavour to foster open, non-judgemental dialogues with their teenage sons and daughters. It creates a safe space for them to freely express their thoughts and emotions. It is essential to bear in mind that actively listening, rather than merely hearing, conveys a genuine interest in their perspective.
Allowing them the freedom to convey their feelings and ideas, even in cases of disagreement, nurtures trust. Trust, nurtured through open, non-judgemental conversations, forms the foundation of a healthy, enduring relationship with adolescents.
Read more: Fire Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe
Respect Their Independence
Adolescents strongly desire independence. Granting freedom at a certain level enables them to learn from both their triumphs and missteps, fostering personal growth. Trusting their judgement, even when it may seem risky, demonstrates faith in their abilities and boosts their self-esteem.
However, maintaining a guiding presence is equally important, stepping in when necessary to provide advice and support. Striking this balance of trust and guidance empowers teenagers to become responsible, self-reliant individuals. It also shows that they can turn to parents when needed.
Shared Interests
Discovering shared hobbies or interests is a powerful way to nurture parent-teen friendships. These mutual activities can be anything, from participating in a sport to pursuing a shared hobby or even jointly binge-watching a TV show.
Read more: Sibling Bullying and Abuse: Reasons, Types, Signs and Prevention
Engaging in such activities forges a unique bond that transcends the conventional parent-child dynamic. It connects on a personal level and promotes not just enjoyable moments but also meaningful conversations. Sharing interests deepens the connection, rendering the relationship more enjoyable.
Fire Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe
Fires can be devastating, but with the right knowledge and precaution, parents can significantly reduce the risk to their children. Whether it's in the home, at school, or during family outings, understanding and implementing fire safety measures can make all the difference. In this guide, we will explore essential fire safety tips for parents to keep their children safe.
12 Fire Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe
One of the elements that can be both helpful and dangerous is fire. It can happen suddenly and at any time! The first rule to cope with the situation is not to panic. Besides, parents can follow these tips to prevent any harm to their kids.
Install Smoke Alarms
According to the US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), homes with working smoke alarms have a significantly lower risk of fire-related deaths. In homes where smoke alarms are working properly, the chance of death in a fire is 55% less compared to homes that either have no smoke alarms or have smoke alarms that don't work. It's essential to install smoke alarms in key areas of the home, including the kitchen, bedrooms, and hallways.
The smoke alarms should be checked regularly, and change the batteries at least once a year. The children should be trained about the sound of the alarm and what to do when they hear it.
Read more: Earthquake Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe
Create an Escape Plan
Having a well-thought-out escape plan is crucial for ensuring children's safety in the event of a fire. Parents need to discuss and practice the plan with their children regularly. A meeting place can be designated outside the house where everyone can gather.
Parents need to make sure that their children know how to crawl low under smoke to avoid inhaling toxic fumes and how to feel closed doors for heat before opening them.
Keep Matches and Lighters Out of Reach
One of the leading causes of fire-related deaths among children is playing with fire-starting materials. Children are naturally curious, and their curiosity often leads them to explore their surroundings, including potentially dangerous items like matches and lighters. They might not fully comprehend the dangers associated with fire, making them more likely to experiment with these items.
Parents should keep matches and lighters in a high, locked cabinet or drawer, out of the kids’ reaches. Additionally, children should be educated about the dangers of playing with fire and the severe consequences it can have.
Read more: Multi-storey buildings being built ignoring fire safety
Install Fire Extinguishers
Having a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and other key areas can make a significant difference in containing a small fire before it spreads. Parents need to ensure that their children know where the fire extinguishers are located and how to use them, following the PASS method: Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side.
Practice Kitchen Safety
The kitchen is one of the most common places for household fires to start. Children should be kept away from the kitchen when the stove and oven are on.
Parents can use back burners when possible and turn pot handles inward to prevent accidental spills. Flammable objects, such as dish towels and curtains, should be away from the stove. Older children should be taught how to use kitchen appliances in a safe way.
Read more: Fire Safety in Apartments: Causes and Prevention
Earthquake Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe
Earthquakes are natural disasters that can strike without warning and leave devastation in their wake. These powerful tremors can be especially frightening to children. Let’s take a look at some essential earthquake safety tips for parents to ensure their children's safety and well-being.
Tips to Keep Children Safe During and After an Earthquake
The following guidelines can provide parents with the essential knowledge to keep their children safe during and after earthquakes.
Create a Family Emergency Plan
Creating a Family Emergency Plan is the foundation of disaster readiness. It involves establishing specific meeting locations within and outside home, ensuring everyone, especially children, knows where to gather during an earthquake or other emergencies. This plan enhances safety and preparedness for your entire family.
Read more: Turkey Earthquake: Why Did So Many Buildings Collapse?
Educate Your Children
Educating children about earthquakes is crucial for their safety. Parents should engage them in open conversations, emphasizing the need to remain calm during seismic events. It is recommended to apply language suited to the age of children to make them understand the situation without inducing undue fear. It will empower them to respond confidently in such situations.
Practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On
Practicing 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On' with children is vital to earthquake preparedness. Parents can teach their kids activities like instinctively dropping to the ground, seeking shelter under sturdy furniture, and holding on during tremors. These simple yet effective techniques can ensure their safety until the earthquake subsides.
Identify Safe Zones
It would be better to teach children to recognize areas free from hazards. Identifying safe zones within each room is crucial for earthquake safety. Parents may encourage them to stay in these designated safe spots during an earthquake. It will reduce the risk of injury from falling debris or shattered glass.
Read more: 6.2 magnitude earthquake shakes part of Philippines southwest of the capital
Sibling Bullying and Abuse: Reasons, Types, Signs and Prevention
Bullying is a major concern that spans age and settings, sparing no space from its reach. Usually, bullying is connected with school and online spaces. We often forget other bullying behaviors like sibling bullying and abuse. In this article, we will explore the causes behind sibling bullying, its diverse forms, red flags to pay attention to, and most importantly, effective strategies for parents to both avert and tackle such conduct.
Common Reasons for Sibling Bullying and Abuse
- Jealousy and competition
- Power imbalance
- Modeling behavior
- Lack of communication skills
- Copying parental behavior
- Seeking attention
- Personal insecurities
- Unresolved conflicts
- External stressors.
Read more: Bullying in School: How to Protect Children and Deal with the Issue
Types of Sibling Bullying and Abuse
Physical Bullying
Physical bullying entails employing force or aggression to intimidate or cause harm to a sibling. This can include hitting, pushing, kicking, or any other physical actions intended to exert control or cause physical pain.
Psychological Bullying
Psychological bullying is a subtle yet damaging form of abuse where one sibling manipulates another's emotions, self-esteem, and perceptions. This can involve tactics like spreading rumors, exclusion, and using psychological pressure to gain control or dominance.
Sexual Bullying
Sexual bullying involves inappropriate and coercive behaviors of a sexual nature between siblings. This can encompass unwanted advances, comments, or actions that create a hostile environment, causing emotional distress and violating personal boundaries.
Read more: How to Raise a Caring, Empathetic and Compassionate Child
Symptoms of Sibling Bullying and Abuse
- Unexplained marks or bruises
- Frequent feelings of unease
- Marks from self-harm or expressing thoughts of self-harm
- Decline in school performance
- Fear or anxiety around a particular sibling
- Rapid fluctuations due to stress
- Refusal to be alone with the sibling
- Low self-esteem
- Running away from home
- Sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns
- Inappropriate sexual behavior.
Read more: Common Sleep Problems in Children: Causes, Symptoms, Ways to Help
Effects of Sibling Bullying and Abuse on Children’s Mental Health
- Diminished confidence and self-worth
- Triggering depression
- Anxiety due to fear
- Social isolation
- Trust issues
- Internalized aggression
- Decline in concentration and grades
- Potential engagement in self-destructive behavior
- Eating disorders
- Effects can extend into adulthood.
Read more: 15 Gift Ideas for a Newborn Baby
How Parents can Protect Children from Sibling Bullying and Abuse
Set Clear Boundaries
Try to establish firm rules that unequivocally condemn any form of aggressive behavior or bullying between siblings. Communicate consequences for crossing these boundaries, reinforcing the importance of respect and kindness.
Positive Reinforcement
Parents should acknowledge and reward instances of respectful interactions and cooperation between siblings. This encourages a culture of kindness and reinforces the benefits of treating each other with respect.
Model Respectful Behavior
It is important to demonstrate kindness, empathy, and respectful communication in parents' interactions with others, including their children. Children often learn by example, and seeing respectful behavior from adults sets a powerful precedent for sibling interactions.
Read more: How physical punishment affects children and alternative ways to discipline them
Individual Attention
Parents should spend quality time with each child. This helps build strong bonds and reduces feelings of rivalry. It also fosters a sense of belonging, decreasing the likelihood of resorting to bullying for attention.
Bullying in School: How to Protect Children and Deal with the Issue
Bullying is a pervasive problem in schools. Bullying can occur in various forms, such as verbal, physical, social, and cyberbullying. It involves repetitive aggressive behaviour aimed at causing harm, discomfort, or distress to another person. Bullying can have serious consequences. It can affect the victim's mental health, academic performance, social relationships, and self-esteem. Parents and caregivers must be aware of the signs of bullying, understand its effects, and take proactive measures against bullying in school to protect and support children.
Common Reasons behind Bullying
Insecurity
Insecurity frequently drives bullying, as individuals project their self-doubt onto others. By belittling or hurting others, they seek a fleeting sense of power and superiority to mask their insecurities. Through this, they gain a false sense of control and confidence.
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure often fuels bullying behaviours as individuals succumb to the need for acceptance within their social group. In an attempt to fit in or assert dominance, they engage in hurtful actions to mirror their peers' behaviour. Eventually, it perpetuates a cycle of bullying.
Read more: How to Raise a Caring, Empathetic and Compassionate Child
Lack of Empathy
Bullying frequently arises due to an absence of empathy, wherein individuals ignore the emotions of others. Their inability to understand or care about the impact of their actions leads to cruel behaviour. They prioritise their desires or amusement over the well-being of their peers.
10 Ways to Ensure Emotional Well-being during Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your emotional well-being is as crucial as caring for your physical health. During pregnancy, everything you experience, such as ambient sounds, the air you breathe, the food you consume, and your emotional state, can impact your baby.
Being Emotionally Well through these 10 Ways during Pregnancy
It is important for all mothers-to-be to pay attention to their mental health and well-being. There are numerous strategies you can employ to effectively manage your emotional well-being throughout pregnancy. Here are 10 things you can do to ensure your wellness.
Quality Time with Yourself
Engage in activities that bring you joy and are solely for your own pleasure. Find things that make you feel calm, such as taking a soothing bath and gently massaging your belly, or enjoying the calmness of nature.
Consider keeping a journal to write down the experiences you go through, like the moment you got the good news, the first time you felt your baby kick, your emotional ups and downs, and your plans. These memories can be treasured by you and your baby throughout your lifetime.
read more: Best foods for expecting mothers
Stay Active
Exercise plays a crucial role during pregnancy for both the mother and the baby. It releases endorphins to lift your mood. It also reduces back pain and swelling, stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. It helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes better sleep, and prepares for labor. Additionally, exercise aids in postpartum recovery.
Over all, exercise leaves you feeling rejuvenated, strong, and happy. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for personalised guidance on safe and suitable exercises during pregnancy.
Get Adequate
Exhaustion and discomfort are quite common during pregnancy. Feeling cheerful can be challenging when you are tired and uncomfortable, which is why it's important to prioritise rest whenever possible. Rest works like magic during pregnancy to promote physical comfort, hormonal balance, and emotional well-being.
Proper relaxation allows the body to recover and conserve energy, supports optimal blood flow to the baby, reduces physical strain, and alleviates pregnancy discomforts. Nevertheless, the need for sleep or a resting period may vary from person to person.
Read more: How to Stay Physically Active during Pregnancy
Therefore, it's important for an expecting mother to listen to her body and consult with a healthcare provider for personalised guidance on finding the right balance between activity and rest. Getting sound and adequate sleep can be a game changer for your well-being during pregnancy.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Your lifestyle affects you and your baby. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy is essential for both the would-be mother and the baby. A healthy lifestyle ensures that the mother receives the necessary nutrients to support the growth and development of the baby, reducing the risk of complications.
It helps manage weight gain within recommended limits and lowers the chances of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Healthy eating habits provide essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients required for the baby's healthy development.
They also promote maternal health, boost energy levels, and improve overall mood and well-being. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and mindful eating, pregnant mothers can lay a strong foundation for their own health and that of their precious little ones.
Read more: Postpartum Depression, Mood Swings: How can new moms deal with these issues?
Treat Others Kindly
Being kind to others during pregnancy is important, as it creates a positive and supportive environment for both the mother and her unborn child. Kindness promotes emotional well-being, reduces stress, and fosters healthy relationships. It shows empathy and understanding, enhancing communication and support networks.
When treated kindly, the mother feels supported and valued, leading to improved mental and physical health. Moreover, practising kindness fosters a nurturing and compassionate atmosphere from the start.
By choosing to behave kindly, a pregnant mother contributes to a harmonious and uplifting experience for everyone related to her journey of pregnancy.
Connect with Your Baby
Creating a deep connection with the baby during pregnancy is a heavenly bonding experience. As your baby grows inside you, a special bond forms between you and your little one. Mothers can connect by gently caressing their growing bump, talking to the baby, and connecting with them through their breath.
Read more: Postpartum Weight Loss: How to lose baby weight fast after pregnancy
Parents in Irish town unite in banning smartphones for children
In a stunning show of unity, parents in a town in Ireland have banded together to jointly adopt a no-smartphone code for their children until secondary school.
Parents’ associations across the Irish town of Greystones have adopted the no-smartphone code for their children, the Guardian reports.
“If everyone does it across the board, you don’t feel like you’re the odd one out. It makes it so much easier to say no,” said Laura Bourne, one of the parents. “The longer we can preserve their innocence, the better.”
Read more: How to Break Internet Addiction?
Last month, schools and parents in the town of Greystones in Ireland took the initiative out of concern that smartphones were fueling anxiety and exposing children to adult content. It is a rare occasion for an entire town to take action together on such an issue, the Guardian reports.
The voluntary “Greystones Pact” is to withhold smartphones from children – at home, in school, everywhere – until they enter secondary school. Applying it to all children in the area will, it is hoped, curb peer pressure and dampen any resentment.
“Childhoods are getting shorter and shorter,” Rachel Harper, the principal of St Patrick’s School who led the initiative, told the Guardian. Nine-year-olds had started requesting smartphones, she said.
Read more: How to keep your child engaged at home without gadgets
“It was creeping in younger and younger, we could see it happening.”
A town-wide policy reduces the chance of a child having a peer with a smartphone and parents can present the code as a school rule, said Harper. “They love it – now they can blame the schools.”
The initiative has garnered interest from parent associations in Ireland and internationally, prompting Ireland's health minister, Stephen Donnelly, to recommend it as a national policy.
Read more: Effects of Excessive Use of Smartphones
“Ireland can be, and must be, a world leader in ensuring that children and young people are not targeted and are not harmed by their interactions with the digital world,” he wrote in the Irish Times. “We must make it easier for parents to limit the content their children are exposed to.”
The “Greystones Pact” stemmed from children showing anxiety levels only partly attributable to Covid-era adaptation, Harper told the Guardian.
Schools circulated questionnaires among parents, leading to a meeting of community stakeholders and an initiative dubbed “it takes a village”.
Read more: How to entertain an unwell child without screen time
Not all parents will deny their primary schoolchildren a smartphone – the code is voluntary – but enough have signed up to create a sense of critical mass, said Harper. “Hopefully down the line it’ll become the new norm,” she told the Guardian.
How to Raise a Caring, Empathetic and Compassionate Child
According to the Dalai Lama, “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.” Care means offering aid or support to individuals experiencing hardship or requiring assistance. Compassion is empathizing and experiencing the feelings of others in order to develop a deep understanding and empathy for their emotions. It includes patience, wisdom, kindness, warmth, perseverance, and determination. Like adults, care and compassion is deeply associated with the overall well-being of children. If you want your child to grow up as a caring, empathetic and compassionate person, try these 10 tips.
10 Tips for Parents to Develop Empathy and Compassion in Kids
Believe in Your Child
Belief plays a significant role in shaping children's behavior. Constant maintenance of a positive attitude towards children is crucial for establishing enduring and harmonious relationships with them in the long run. It requires daily attention and effort to foster a stable and positive connection.
If parents trust in their children’s willingness to help for others' well-being, it will grow confidence in kids. Children are perceptive to these emotions and react accordingly. Sensing positivity they respond positively.
Read more: Helicopter Parenting: Signs, Pros, Cons and How to Change
Practice Empathy and Compassion
Creating an environment where people feel valued encourages children to observe and practice positive attitudes. Parents bear the primary responsibility for their children’s attitude and conduct. Children learn by observing their parents' actions and words, therefore it is essential for parents to actively practice these virtues themselves.
By being loving parents and exemplary role models, parents can contribute to raising their kids as remarkable and accepting individuals. Ultimately, parents' actions and behavior greatly influence their children's development into compassionate and empathetic individuals.
Stay Conscious about the Impact of Media
Children are often influenced by TV shows, internet contents, commercial advertisements, entertainment media and social sharing networks. It is essential for parents to have explicit conversations with their kids about the potential consequences of social media and offensive words which bring regrettable actions.
Parents should be aware of what kinds of TV shows or internet content their children watch. In friendly ways, parents can discuss with their kids about the cons of watching malicious content.
Read more: How to raise happy, confident, strong girls
Limiting the screen time of kids, parents can encourage them to read story books and novels that suit the age-level of their children.
Moreover, teaching children about the limitations of communication through the internet and social media is crucial. Parents need to help the kids understand that without facial expressions and vocal tone, misunderstandings and hurt feelings can easily occur.
Practice Gratitude
Each human on earth has some sort of sorrows, unfulfilled desires, and dissatisfactions. Still, we need to show gratitude to life for what life has given to us. It is essential to lead a positive life.
Parents can share with their kids what they are grateful about for that day. Young children can accept it as a positive example for them to follow. When children face challenges or danger, they will have trust in others and know that they are not alone in this world. Ultimately, they will learn to be grateful for everything and do the same for others.
Read more: How to entertain an unwell child without screen time
Be the Role Model
Parents are the primary educators for their children. So, it is essential to be role models. Parents’ actions are more significant than their words. Children can comprehend the differences between actions and words.
Parents can show care and compassion for others through small gestures. Practicing empathy in real life is important so that children can realize and follow it. For instance, offering a helping hand to a distressed friend can convey kindness in a simple yet powerful way.
Besides these, the parents need to be cautious about their words while criticizing another person. Because, parents are sending messages to kids about how to treat others.
Read more: How to deal with your demanding child?
Helicopter Parenting: Signs, Pros, Cons and How to Change
Parenting is a lifelong process with its own unique challenges and rewards. From the joys of watching a child’s first steps to the difficulties of managing teenage years, parenting is a complex and multifaceted role. It involves a child’s physical, emotional, and social needs, along with guidance that can shape his/her future. Parenting has different dimensions and styles; in this article, we are going to talk about helicopter parenting.
What is Helicopter Parenting?
Helicopter parenting refers to an overly involved and overprotective approach – sometimes to the detriment of the children. The term “helicopter” refers to the way in which these parents “hover over” their children and are constantly monitoring their every move.
Even though parents do this out of love for their children, this type of parenting can have a negative impact on children as it can stifle their independence and hinder their ability to make decisions on their own. Often, they are called “hovering parents” because they constantly watch over their kids and intervene at the first sign of any trouble.
Read More: How to raise happy, confident, strong girls
Origin of the term “Helicopter Parenting”
In 1969, Dr. Haim Ginott first used the term “helicopter parent” in his book “Between Parent & Teenager” where teenagers described their parents hovering over them like a helicopter. Other identical terms are “lawnmower parenting”, “cosseting parent”, or “bulldozer parenting”.
Helicopter parenting is defined by excessive focus on children, and taking too much responsibility for their experiences, successes, or failures. Gradually it turns into being overprotective, over-controlling, and over-perfecting, in a way that exceeds responsible parenting.
Signs of Helicopter Parenting
Helicopter parents mostly micromanage their children’s lives, controlling and monitoring their every move, often taking it to an extremely inappropriate level. They are ready to swoop in to rescue their children at the slightest obstacle.
Read More: 15 Gift Ideas for a Newborn Baby
Here are some clear signs of helicopter parenting in different stages of a child’s life:
Overly involved parents always excessively monitor and correct their children, preventing them from making their own moves, interactions, how to play with specific toys, etc., hindering their ability to learn and explore. It starts when a toddler starts to walk, and falls, and some parents go to extreme lengths to prevent any minor scratches.
In later stages, helicopter parents may complete their children’s homework, choose their friends and activities, and even attend job fairs and job interviews alongside them. They may also advise children during games and talk to coaches after every practice.
In childhood, parents are expected to take care of the household chores for kids. But cleaning a teen’s room, and doing a college student’s laundry is over-parenting and leads to deprivation of learning basic life skills.
Read More: How to deal with your demanding child?
Children learn from their mistakes through trial and error. Helicopter parenting or always showing the right way to do it hinders their growth in tackling problems.
Pros and Cons of Helicopter Parenting
Despite the negative portrayal in popular media, several studies show helicopter parenting has been found to have both positive and negative outcomes. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of over-parenting.
Pros of Helicopter Parenting
Cognitive Skills: Parental involvement is a crucial factor in a student's intellectual, academic, and emotional development. It leads to improved attitudes towards school, better homework habits, social behavior, and enhanced academic achievement.
Life Skills:
Research suggests that helicopter parenting can have positive impacts on student development in areas like decision-making, physical and mental health, and career development.
Read More: How physical punishment affects children and alternative ways to discipline them
Psychological Adjustment:
Studies say children of helicopter parents who receive support and proper guidance have better psychological adjustment and life satisfaction than others.
Proper Guidance:
Children of helicopter parents tend to be punctual, well-prepared, and receive significant support and guidance in their daily lives. They work tirelessly to address any problem their child may encounter and actively participate in school activities and groups.
Effective Communication:
Effective communication is the most important thing in a parent-children relationship. Helicopter parents and their teens are most likely to have friendly and clear communication about their whereabouts.
Read More: Common Sleep Problems in Children: Causes, Symptoms, Ways to Help
Cons of Helicopter Parenting
Though parental involvement in their children’s education has been acknowledged to be beneficial, overprotective parenting can result in negative outcomes on their mental health.
Psychological Issues:
According to several studies, children with too involved parents in their children’s education at inappropriate developmental levels often develop psychological issues like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
Narcissistic Mindset:
Helicopter parenting is linked with higher levels of narcissism and entitlement in adult children.
Read More: Motivating Kids to Study, Do Homework, Get Good Grades: Know Secret Ways
Problem-solving Skills:
Children need to acquire problem-solving skills, but helicopter parenting can hinder this process.
Dependency on Parents:
Helicopter parenting can make children overly dependent on their parents, preventing their ability to learn essential life skills.
No Self-advocacy:
Helicopter parenting prevents children from developing self-advocacy skills that are crucial for success in school and work.
Read More: Teaching Young Kids Household Chores: 10 Easy Steps
Low Self-esteem:
Helicopter parenting makes children feel inadequate and lead to self-esteem issues. It causes difficulties with problem-solving, coping, decision-making, social interaction, responsibility, and adaptive functioning.
Absence of Natural Consequences:
Children face natural consequences in life as an integral part of growing up. Helicopter parents tend to micromanage their children's activities to prevent them from experiencing any negative outcomes.
Parent-Child Mutual Relationship:
Helicopter parenting can strain the parent-child relationship because of constant nagging and interference.
Read More: Stranger Danger: How to teach children safety rules for unknown, unsafe people
Though in some cases, it brings children and parents closer together when children appreciate the push to succeed and feel cared for by their parents. Still, it's best to avoid helicopter parenting.
How to Change
Helicopter parenting, or being overly involved in a child's life, can hinder their acquisition of crucial life skills. Parents must allow their children to fail, struggle, to be disappointed, and let them do their own tasks. Sometimes taking a step backward from helping them can be the actual help. It will make the child more resilient and boost self-confidence.
Although overprotectiveness comes from the good intention of guiding them, often it ends with controlling the children. To prevent this, parents must acknowledge their hovering tendency, and encourage their children to explore and grow. And if necessary, consulting a professional can be helpful.
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Different strategies work better for individual families and children. Helicopter parenting hinders children’s chance of development.
Read More: Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
Raising children with guidance and support can teach them valuable life skills and independence. The desire to raise “perfect children” or compare them to others can lead to over-involvement, which may cause depression and low self-esteem in children. Parents should be aware of the signs of helicopter parenting and seek help if needed.
Top 10 Islamic Apps for Muslim Kids
In today's digital age, technology plays a significant role in our lives, including the way we educate and entertain our children. Muslim parents who want to raise their kids with a strong Islamic foundation can utilize digital resources like apps and websites. Diverse Islamic apps for kids are great ways to introduce youngsters to Islamic teachings through fun and interactive methods. These apps can teach children about Islamic principles, practices, and beliefs while engaging them with games, quizzes, and stories.
10 Best Islamic Apps for Muslim Children
Muslim Kids TV
Muslim Kids TV is an Islamic app with a rating of 4.1/5 on Android. Milo Productions Inc. developed it, and the app was first released on 28th March 2017. It is available both on PlayStore and AppStore. The app has a download size of 49 MB and offers Islamic videos, songs, stories, and games for children.
The app covers various Islamic topics and morals, including stories of the prophets, the importance of prayer, and Islamic manners. Muslim Kids TV is user-friendly and interactive, making it a great tool for parents to use in teaching their children about Islam. The app is free to download, but it has different in-app purchases.
Read More: 10 Best Free Android Apps to Learn English Vocabulary
Step by Step Salah
The Step by Step Salah app by Quran Reading is a highly-rated Islamic app available on PlayStore and AppStore. It first came out on 30th November 2013. With a size of 37MB, it offers an easy-to-understand guide for kids to learn how to perform Salah or prayer in the correct manner. Prayer is an important pillar of Islam. This app provides a reliable way to teach children the correct way to offer Salah.
The app includes step-by-step instructions, from performing Wadu to Sajjud, with the meaning and significance of each step. The recitation of each prayer is recited slowly and with animations, the app shows the posture one must assume at every step of Salah. It has a 4.3 rating on PlayStore.
Noorani Qaida with Audio
Noorani Qaida with Audio is an Islamic app with a rating of 4.8/5 on Android. It is developed by App Anchor and has a download size of 29 MB. It was released on 7th December 2019. The app is designed to help children learn the Quran, similar to the way it was taught in mosques and homes during our childhood.
Read More: 7 Food Delivery Apps for Dhaka
One of the major reasons for its popularity among the Muslim community is its user-friendliness, which makes it easy for children to use. The app keeps children engaged with its appealing layout and design. By tapping on the word, children can learn how to pronounce the Arabic word. The app's alphabet button enables children to repeatedly hear the pronunciation, which aids in faster learning.
Daily Duas for Kids
The Daily Duas for Kids app is an Islamic app that aims to teach children about daily duas. Developed by OSRATOUNA LTD, the app was released on 12th May 2016. It has a 4.7 rating and is available on Android and iPhone. The app features a variety of everyday duas for children, such as those for waking up, sleeping, and traveling.
It also includes cute characters that make learning Arabic supplications fun for kids. Many Muslim parents worldwide appreciate this app for helping their children learn more about Islam and its practices. With an easy-to-use interface and engaging design, Daily Duas for Kids is an excellent tool for parents looking to teach their kids about the importance of daily duas.
Read More: Best Quran Apps for Android: Read the Holy Book Online
Madani Qaidah
According to proponents of the Islamic faith, learning the proper recitation of the Holy Quran is a crucial component of religious study. To that end, a new application has been developed that allows users to learn the Quran in two different languages.
The Qaida app, developed by the IT Department of Dawate Islam, offers lessons on Tajweed, which is the art of pronouncing each letter of the Quran according to its Makhraj. The app features 22 interactive lessons and claims to teach Tajweed in a manner similar to a teacher. It also includes Haroof e Tahajji, a tool designed to help users improve their Quran pronunciation.
With a 4.9 rating and a size of 111 mb, the Qaida app is positioning itself as the go-to resource for those seeking to improve their Quranic recitation skills. It was first released on 23rd May 2015 and is currently available on Android and iOS phones.
Read More: Free English-Speaking Mobile Apps for the Non-native Speakers