Decoding Family Dynamics in 2018

If children are allowed to use gadgets at a very early age, it can affect their brain development, posture and vision in the long run. More subtle but as assured are the changes these gadgets can cause on a child's interpersonal and communication skills. Many children who spend longer amount of time on gadgets have been observed to be socially inept. They grow up to be socially awkward, mentally disturbed and unable to absorb human relationships in depth. Furthermore, children who spend most of their times on social media tend to be weak in their mother tongue. Hence more emphasis should be given on family interactions.

Children are delicate because their cognitive behaviour and personality are still in the making. "Children who don't learn their mother tongues properly have poor cognitive skills," says Mosharrat, a Bangladeshi linguist from Chicago.

When children are growing they need love and attention. They need their families to listen to them and make them feel important. This helps shape their communication and social development skills while strengthening emotional stability and conflict resolution. It is advised to include extended family members such as grandparents and uncles/aunts in the above practice to increase the social reach of chidren.

Bringing up children with rules and guidelines is important to develop morals and a sense of responsibility within them. But children do not understand the importance of following rules right away. Hence, such rules should be reinforced with positive rewards. Children should be encouraged to follow specific guidelines within the family. However, to set an example because children always learn what they see, all the other family members must follow the same set of rules and guidelines.

"Whenever we get some free time, my husband and I play CandyCrush on our phones. If I complain that he is on his phone all the time, he complains that it is because I am always on mine," said Raffat Rashid with a chuckle. So as you see, technology is not only affecting children but adult relationships too. Healthy family dynamics are also important to help the other members of the family to maintain proper mental states. Spending time with your partner, parents or siblings will give you a sense of belonging in this difficult world. Living within a routine gives you purpose and discipline. Moreover, healthy relationships within the family help the children learn about relationships and how to treat others.

Therefore, it is necessary to make time for your family even if you are exhausted at the end of the day (which you eventually will be if you stare at a screen for too long as proved by science). Cut down gadget time and if necessary collect everyone's phones and tabs for a few hours a day to just sit and talk or play a board game. Make sure the children in your home are allowed to have only 1-2 hours of screen time at max and instead go out and play with them. Encourage everyone to participate in household chores together. And definitely find the time to share your feelings and opinions with your family and more importantly to listen to their experiences and feelings.

Humans are designed to rely on social interactions and behaviour for a healthy lifestyle. Hence, help yourself and your family to love and live better.

Photo: Collected