Let Little Children be LITTLE

 

When you see the above images, what thoughts come to your mind? Though some of the images might look harmless, but the reality is not. We see so many parents around crib about the fact that kids are growing up really fast. Aren't we as parents responsible for that? Recently a mom of a 5 year old asked on Facebook about some creative ideas for celebrating her daughter's birthday. We all gave her suggestions on different themes and ideas... I was taken aback by one suggestion which went as follows, "I'm a mom of 2 daughters and I suggest you do a spa party, with facial, manicure, pedicure, massage et al. Talking from experience". My only reply was 'How about letting 'little' girls be little.'

Its not about girls or boys, you see children of either gender growing up too fast. When I asked my mom, she said 'Childhood always appears short and time flies'. I think in the last few years children definitely are becoming far too mature for their age. For a 10-11 year old girl it is very common to spot lip gloss & kohl. If you see girls without them it appears pretty weird. Young boys have also started experimenting with their look, from the kind of haircut to the clothes they wear, the accessories et al. If it was just about looks, we could have overlooked to a certain extent. The entire thought process of kids these days has become very mature and adult like. Which I guess is not a great thing. Call a 11-12 year old 'a child' and you will know what I'm talking about, they will immediately say 'Excuse me! We are young adults'

Bringing up our children is our responsibility, you like it or not. I'm not suggesting just let them be or being the strict disciplinarian. All we're saying is that there are ways to let kids being kids for a little longer.

Do not go by what other parents believe/say/do, you can take an advise but at the end 'TRUST YOUR INSTINCT'. Things should depend on what and how you want things to happen. Saba, a mom of a 4 year old, says she is alright with her daughter Mariam wearing make-up at home while she is playing, but she cannot wear make-up outside before she is 15. I as a mum of a 3 year old, believe in not letting Zoe wear make-up even if it is for pretend play... maybe it is easier for me because I don't wear much makeup on a regular basis. I would like to instill in Zoe from an early age to be what she wants to be, rather than following a rat race. Like in our house, Zoe watches TV for an hour, many parents like fellow blogger Reema believes in NO-TV at all. Then there are parents who do not mind if their kids watch TV for 3-5 hours a day.

You obviously have to consider the long term IMPACT on your child. Like Faizan & me have not brought an I-Pad as we don't want Zoe to get into it too soon, we know its easy to get into a habit of something which keeps you entertained. I agree, there are educational apps on a tablet, but Zoe gets a nice does of educational programs in her 1 hour of TV viewing. Besides there are her books, she loves painting & music. I don't mind if Zoe gets dirty in the park and runs around, I have seen some parents get paranoid because it might affect the child's health. Till the time she enjoys and washes herself up when she comes back home, I'm fine.

You need to be a little Realistic, and accept you child as they are. Stop 'My Child is too talkative/introvert/extrovert/Over the top/energetic/lazy.' Don't expect your child to enjoy theatre, cricket, book club, tennis, ballet, martial arts, travel, gymnastics, music et al. See what your child enjoys, and not what your neighbor's or your best friend's child does. By expecting our children to excel in anything & everything aren't we forcing our child to become an adult? I saw Zoe's interest in books and music, so that is just what does. I don't want her to get into Drama or dance because her mum was into it, or art because her dad enjoyed it. See what your little one enjoys and expose them to those activities.

Set limits... You might be your kid's best friend, advisor, ATM, Entertainment Channel, story teller... but do not forget you are your child's parent as well. My 4.5 year old nephew 'Z' is allowed to play on a tablet, but he knows he has access to it for only an hour, and he can only access a few applications.

Your child will get exposed to information which is meant for adults. Still, at a younger age you as a parent can have more influence on your child compared to a friend/TV or other such media. As a parent you should be aware and raise your children in the way you want to.

Do let us know what do you think about kids becoming mature too soon. Does it bother you? What do you do about the situation?

** Image Courtesy - Google