Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 12: Being a parent is an incredibly fulfilling experience, yet navigating the journey of parenting presents significant challenges. Children learn not just from teachings, but more importantly, from who we are as individuals. This underscores the need for adults to unlearn certain habits and acquire new skills that reflect the kind of person one wishes his children to become. As Hodding Carter aptly stated, "Two great things you can give your children: one is roots, the other is wings." With this philosophy in mind, the department of counselling organized a series of sessions for parents of I PU students on the theme ‘Building Bridges: Strengthening the Parent-Teen Connection', conducted in both Kannada and English from June 29 to July 10.
Dr Malin Hebbar, principal of Swastika National Business School, initiated the sessions with a thought-provoking activity that challenged parents' perspectives and encouraged them to recognize the uniqueness of each individual. She emphasized that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to parenting, and as children grow, parents must adapt and evolve. Dr Hebbar addressed the generational gap challenges and strategies to build stronger relationships between parents and their children.
Dr Shilpa Hegde, a neuro-developmental and behavioral pediatrician, emphasized the importance of nurturing a strong parent-teen relationship. She highlighted that adolescents who maintain strong connections with their parents tend to have better mental health, higher self-esteem, and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Dr Hegde also discussed the primary challenges faced in working with teenagers, such as issues of identity, independence, and peer pressure. She suggested parenting strategies focused on fostering closeness, supporting independence, accepting individuality, nurturing self-esteem, and understanding both parental and adolescent limitations.
Dr Deepa Kotari, director of the Alva’s Centre for Wellness Training, provided insights into distinguishing between typical and troubled teenage behaviors. She introduced the concept of the 'Iceberg of Behaviors,' emphasizing the importance of understanding the deeper meanings behind challenging behaviors. Dr Kotari advised parents to prioritize information sharing over mere instructions, simplify explanations, acknowledge emotions, offer choices rather than ultimatums, and minimize persistent reminders. She also stressed the significance of open dialogues to enhance communication and reduce conflicts with children.
Dr Caroline P D’Souza, a consultant neuro-psychiatrist at Falnir Health Centre, focused on critical aspects of parenting during her session. She highlighted effective communication as pivotal, encouraging parents to allow their children to confront challenges and fostering a supportive rather than controlling environment. Dr D’Souza addressed various pressing issues including peer pressure, self-consciousness, internet addiction, suicide ideation, and teenage expectations. Her recommended strategies included effective communication, providing opportunities for challenges, respecting teenagers' need for space, empathizing with their perspectives, and bolstering their self-esteem. According to Dr D’Souza, these approaches are crucial for cultivating positive parent-teen relationships and promoting the overall well-being of adolescents.
Vice principals Muralikrishna G M and Vilma Fernandes provided an overview of the college's activities and upcoming academic events.
With numerous questions, doubts, and dilemmas addressed during the sessions, it proved to be a highly interactive event. Counsellors Sangeeta Sequeira, Bakyalakshmi, Vishanth Menezes, Sr Valsa, and Sarah Crasta moderated the discussions. They also explained the role of counselors and the initiates of the department of counseling. Parents expressed appreciation for the institution's effort in arranging these valuable sessions. These sessions provided significant insights and practical guidance to parents, equipping them with essential tools to navigate the complexities of parenting and strengthen their relationships with their teenage children.