by Rakshanda Gul
When we talk about the development of young people, our minds often go to schools, colleges, or social media. These things certainly influence today’s generation; I believe that the first and most lasting influence comes from home. A child spends the early years of life with family, and during this time, many habits, values, and ways of thinking begin to develop. Long before children understand the outside world, they learn by watching the people around them. This is why the family environment plays a very important role in shaping their worldview. A home where people care for one another, respect, and solve problems peacefully gives children a strong foundation for life.
Culture exists within each family. For example, some families value the tradition of having meals together, while other families consider it important to get together with relatives or be helpful to people. The above-mentioned habits might seem insignificant, but they gradually become a part of a child’s daily life. The child who was raised in a polite environment will definitely carry that trait into adulthood. Just as when parents act responsibly and honestly, children automatically start imitating them.
I can confidently say that I have noticed children remember the simplest family moments for a long time. For instance, the father helping the old woman, the mother behaving respectfully towards other people, and grandparents telling their grandchildren about honesty and hard work- all this seems insignificant, but still leaves a trace in their lives.
It is also the parents’ job to inspire their kids to use reason rather than simply accept all the information they receive without thinking. The kids are naturally curious and have numerous questions as a result. The families must support their questioning. A proper discussion allows kids to understand the rationale behind various values and decisions. Being inspired to think and analyze, compare different options and share one’s opinion acceptably increases one’s confidence and teaches one to make sensible choices instead of following the examples of other people blindly.
The children nowadays have numerous information sources at their disposal. With the help of mobile phones and the Internet, they get exposed to new ideas constantly. There is some beneficial information, and there is some that is misleading. Parents cannot accompany their kids all the time; however, they can teach them to think before believing or disseminating any information. It will be very helpful for kids to have such practice since every stage in one’s life requires reasoning.
Communication is yet another aspect that plays an essential role in a family. In most cases, members of a family are engaged in various activities such as work, studying, or other responsibilities. Members may live in one house and never get the opportunity to communicate. Any parent needs to spend even a few minutes communicating at the end of the day. It is good to ask children about their day, listen to them attentively, and appreciate their point of view. They will be comfortable talking about their successes and concerns.
I think children do not necessarily expect their parents to find solutions to all their problems. Most often, they just need someone to listen to them without any kind of judgement. When parents keep calm when having conversations, children feel relaxed enough to share everything.
Things may not turn out the way we plan all the time. All young people have had moments of disappointment in their lives; for example, bad grades in exams, losing a contest, or being rejected. Such moments may either demotivate them or make them stronger. The way in which the family deals with such situations makes a big difference. A family that encourages the young person to learn from failures teaches him or her the following lesson: that failure is just a chance for improvement. With this mentality, one becomes resilient and gets the motivation to try again.
Simple responsibilities around the house can help make a young person strong. For instance, organizing one’s desk for studies, contributing to household chores, or looking after younger children helps instil discipline and a sense of responsibility. This way, a child learns that all family members have different roles. With age, one develops the ability to take up bigger responsibilities.
Respect among family members also contributes to how youngsters will act in society. Kids pay attention to how adults deal with each other. They see how arguments between family members are discussed and resolved either patiently and respectfully or aggressively and disrespectfully. Children understand that problems can be worked out in a civilized manner. Such knowledge will remain with them in life as respectful behaviour leads to healthy relationships and successful workplaces.
The strength of a society depends on how strong families are in society. The knowledge is obtained in schools, and opportunities exist in society, but the lessons are learned at home. An ideal family is not necessary, but people who love and support each other and are ready to listen, communicate, and learn from one another should exist there.
To sum up, family plays an important role in the development of one’s personality. The family culture influences behaviour; dialogues teach people to think independently; open dialogue builds trust; emotions contribute to forming resilience. Families that spend much time, effort, and energy raising their kids will help create responsible, loving and confident citizens of the future society.
The Author writes on themes related to women’s empowerment, rural livelihoods, entrepreneurship, health, and changing social realities in the Kashmir Valley. She can be mailed at rakshandagul629@gmail.com
