Child Psychology and Parenthood
Human beings are unique in the sense that we can process emotions on a very intricate level, so much so that we are aware of our conscious and sometimes subconscious minds. When we go back to the roots of what essentially causes so many mental health issues in adults, it all goes back to childhood.
Parents are humans as well; they too are children of someone, and hence, they too were taught emotions. We do not innately learn emotional regulation, similar to a skill, it needs to be learned. Emotional regulation can help a person navigate the different challenges that life throws at us. However, emotional dysregulation can severely disrupt daily functioning and well-being.
I believe we need to introduce a system where people who choose to be parents are given a chance to attend courses or coaching sessions, where they can learn parenthood beforehand or at least understand the essence of it. Most people learn to become parents while their children grow up and turn into adults, only to realize later that there are grudges, unmet needs, or something else altogether. Numerous steps have been taken to ensure such programs are available; however, we need large-scale implementation and, if possible, at a minimal cost.
Parents aren’t born with parenting skills; they too are people with their own emotional baggage. However, with effective measures, we can normalize taking parenting classes, reduce the burden of guilt and feelings of inadequacy, and improve our society as a unit.
What are your thoughts on this?
