Saed News – Parents must provide various types of support to their children, including informational, financial, educational, and spiritual support.
According to Saed News Family Magazine , awareness is a one-way road—once you gain it, there is no turning back or returning to a state of ignorance. Human beings have an inherent connection to awareness, whether consciously or unconsciously. This desire becomes even stronger when bringing a child into the world or raising one, as parents strive to enhance their own knowledge and pass it on to the next generation to create a brighter future.
However, the journey of awareness is endless. The more we learn, the more we realize how much we don't know. That is why, in our historical and religious traditions, there is a strong emphasis on lifelong learning: "Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave." Parenting also requires knowledge, and the more informed we are as parents, the fewer challenges we will face, and the more thriving our children will be.
As part of its mission to promote awareness, Saed News will release a series of advisory articles focusing on "Childhood and Adolescence Challenges" for parents. In these articles, Mojgan Houshyar , a child and adolescent psychologist, will address specific topics and provide expert strategies to help parents navigate their parenting journey more effectively.
This article discusses four key types of parental support: informational, financial, educational, and spiritual support.
Informational support is essential because, before making any decision, one must have sufficient knowledge about the subject. For example, if a child is uncertain about choosing a field of study, parents should provide relevant information. If they have expertise in the subject, they can guide their child directly. Otherwise, it may be beneficial for the child to speak with professionals or students in that field to understand its challenges and benefits before making a final decision.
Parents can offer insights based on their experiences, but they should be careful not to present their advice in a way that undermines their child's confidence. For instance, instead of saying, "You're not good at public speaking, so this field may not be for you," they could say, "This field requires strong communication skills, so you might consider taking a public speaking course alongside your studies."
It is important to remember that no decision is final or absolute - the effectiveness of any decision will only become clear in the future. Parents should avoid self-blame and instead focus on guiding their children towards making informed choices.
When facing difficult decisions, parents should ask themselves questions such as:
"Am I realistically assessing this situation?"
"Do I understand the potential outcomes?"
"Am I prepared to accept and manage these outcomes, whether positive or negative?"
Awareness leads to informed decisions, which can help parents and children navigate challenges more effectively.
Another important form of support is financial assistance. Throughout life, individuals may encounter financial hardships, and parental support in these situations can be crucial. However, financial support must be thoughtful and transparent .
Before offering financial help, parents should:
Clearly define the purpose of the support.
Determine the amount of assistance.
Set expectations for repayment if applicable.
Unconditional financial support can sometimes lead to dependency or mismanagement. For example, if a child borrows money to start a business, parents should periodically check on their progress and offer guidance when needed.
While trust is important in financial matters , it should be accompanied by careful planning and safeguards to ensure responsible use of resources.
Education is another crucial form of support. While some basic abilities, like crying or sucking, are instinctual, essential skills such as communication, assertiveness, critical thinking, and problem-solving are not genetically inherited. Parents must actively teach these skills to their children.
If parents have already learned these skills themselves, their children can acquire them naturally through observation and interaction. However, if parents lack these skills, they must ensure their children receive proper education in these areas.
Without education, children will rely on trial and error or the experiences of others to make decisions. While learning from others is valuable, it must be done with an understanding of individual differences and circumstances .
Many parents tend to either replicate their own upbringing or do the exact opposite , but the opposite of a bad behavior is not necessarily the correct one. For example, if one's parents were overly strict about spending, adopting an excessively permissive approach with their own children is not a solution—it can be just as harmful. The key is to find a balanced approach tailored to the situation and the child's individual needs.
Teaching life skills should be a top priority , as other forms of education are ineffective without them. Imagine a child who excels in music and is chosen to perform in a concert. If they haven't learned emotional regulation and self-confidence, their anxiety about performing in front of a crowd could prevent them from showcasing their true abilities.
All talents and skills thrive in a healthy emotional environment , so parents should prioritize teaching life skills to ensure their children's overall well-being and success.
Spirituality is another vital aspect of a child's development. It acts as an emotional anchor in times of hardship. Parents should consciously introduce their children to spiritual principles , helping them build strong inner resilience and faith.
Practice incorporating these types of support into your parenting. Reflect on past situations and ask yourself:
"Where did my child need guidance, and I failed to provide it?"
"What areas have I overlooked, and how can I improve?"
By being mindful of these aspects, parents can create a stronger foundation for their children's growth and development.
