Today children are much more restless and aggressive then earlier times. Behavioural issues are on rise and this becomes very tough for the parent to grow in his life. I have written five points to handle the restlessness of the child. I am sure this will give happy and calm results magically.
- Reduce the screen time – Today’s world is a technology time where technology has unlimited benefits and comforts. In this lock down, not only school classes but even other activity classes like painting, story telling etc and even summer camps are done online. So, as it is for a long time child is in front of screen.
BUT
Inspite of having numerous benefits and comforts Technology is highly hazardous for our Brain and Eyes.This effects child’s brain development in a very negative way. During early years neural network develops. This neural network requires stimuli from outside world and screen hinders that, resulting in adverse effect on child’s brain.For passing time if child is on video games and cartoons for maximum time then this will multiply aggression and restlessness to that level that parents will have tough time in handling the child. We all are working and to get out peaceful time during work we give these gadgets to our children for some time unknowingly that screen has its addiction effects and our small peaceful time is going to cost us heavy by enslaving our children of screen. Once the addiction happens it is a tough job to get them out of this addiction similarly, to other addictions.Screen effects sleep cycle of the child and further leads to Social, Emotional and Behavioral problems. It shortens the attention span so, plays a very negative role grasping studies.So, first thing is to cut down the screen time. Other then his School activities and other learning activities give him screen for very less time maximum for an hour. Give him choice when he wants to watch his program and which program would he like to watch. Educate your child about adverse effects of screen on brain and ask him his opinion. Include him in your decision. - Substitute white Sugar with natural Sugar – Our brain needs Glucose but not the white sugar. White sugar is zero in nutrition infact it only creates hurdles in the smooth functioning of our body. Intake of white sugar in any form creates sugar rush for the brain. This results in increase in aggression and restlessness in the child. This only stimulate our taste buds but makes child uncomfortable from inside. Not only child but even parents fail to understand the reason behind the aggressive behavior of the child. When our child is restless and aggressive and showing excess tantrums then this is not just limited to him, this will equally make parents uncomfortable and anxious.The whole family goes through these mood swings. For small taste stimulate the cost which we pay is heavy. White sugar itself is an addiction. Once child adapts this taste then all natural foods he will not like. White sugar increases stress hormones in the child resulting in shorter attention span.So, for our child’s happy and peaceful mental state we must substitute white sugar with natural sweetners like : jaggery, honey, raisins, fruits etc.Include your child in your decision by educating him about this topic secondly, asking him what he would like to eat of natural sweetner, include him in the cooking and appreciate him.
- Messy time – A child’s body releases a lot of energy and they use very little of that energy in today’s life style. If this energy is not emptied it will cause unnecessary hyper behavior and restlessness. So, give your child specific time as per their levels of energy to let them experience calm and peace within themselves with increased focus. In this messy time they should be allowed to play messy games like playing with clay or dough, painting colors, tearing of old waste papers, playing with water and toys in the bathroom etc. Give them complete freedom to take out extra unwanted energies from them. Once the game is done, train them to do the cleaning also. This one week training of cleaning with discipline will make them very responsible every time, to do on their own. So, the child is learning to handle freedom with responsibility. This gives them feeling of immense happiness. They become much more calmer and responsible.
- Friendship with your child – Parenting is a journey not a destination. The happier the journey, the more the child will blossom in his being. Parents are very busy in their lives and they think if we are providing our kid with the best food, education and other comforts then we have done our job but this is not true. However, the child needs your quality time, your friendship and the connection where s/he can express all and this is not the child’s case , unknowingly we elders search for friendships and connections outside and mostly feel lonely in our worlds. Today both child and parents are lonely in their respective worlds. The best friendship and connection you can have is your own child. The fulfillment which you both will experience will make both the life’s harmonious and meaningful. Man is a social being and his biggest need is to love and to be loved. This blossoms him. Your friendship with your child will make you grow in every sphere of your’s and his life. This one step will make your child very secure and happy resulting in his calm behavior.Secondly , discipline is important but it should never be that in your quality time you fill it with ‘ Should bes’ for your child or just physically being present there and mentally you’re in some other world. The child will sense this very fast and will loose interest.Love what s/he loves. S/he will love what you love. Life will be paradise.
- Music – Music is food for the soul. It transforms you immediately. Soothing and calming music has every power to relax your child. While sleeping and waking up play very relaxing instrumental music based on ragas. This has proven calming effects on the brain.Let your child get involved in selecting music for himself. This is not only magical for your child’s best development but it has wonderful effects in creating happy bond in the whole family. This enhances everybody’s mood in the family resulting in happy beings.Parenting is tough till the time you are parent to your child, journey is transformed into happiness when you become best friends.
