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.
Parenting is one of the most important responsibilities in life, yet most people enter it without formal training. Concept of parenting education is not a sign of weakness.
Absolutely agree with you. I have heard someone say once, we have messed up as parents and have done injustice to our first child because we were also first-time parents. The first child is the trial ball, and that is something that resonated with me. Even parents are learning something new about parenthood every day; they make mistakes, and it should be normalised if they want to take advice, parenting classes, or attend workshops to navigate parenthood better.
Being aware of the real challenges of parenthood beforehand is, in my opinion one of the best gift a parent give to their children. Every first time parent goes through a very tough time understanding and navigating this new role. In some cases, this can lead to lack of communication and alignment between both the parents which can affect their relationship adversely. This can have a negative impact on their child’s development.
Emotional Regulation plays a very important role in every area of our lives. Whether work or relationships. Parenting in today’s time is challenging. Every generation evolves, too. If child psychology and parenting skills are taught early, it will bring about mental well-being and better emotional regulation. We also have to understand that children also learn emotional regulation from the environment and also how their parents manage emotions. Teaching emotional regulation and parenting skillscan make us wondeerful role models for our children.
