Parenting, a Challenge in the New Millennium: Implications for Mental Health of Children

Adolescence is the transition phase between childhood and adulthood, characterized by psychological and biological changes, extending from the onset of puberty to the attainment of physical maturity and adulthood. In our country, it probably starts at 15 years when the preparations for entry into professional courses begin, and not at 11 years as mentioned in text books. Parenting is a complex activity that includes many specific behaviours that work individually or together to influence child outcomes. It prepares the child to enter into the next phase of life. When we compare the conventional role of a to-day s child with that of yesterday, i.e. two decades back, we find a sea difference. Two decades ago children were reared in a protected environment and taught to be subservient to their elders. The male child was expected to acquire modest education and make a career or else join the family profession. He was to be the bread winner, supposed to help in family work; and, if need be, shoulder family responsibilities at an early stage. The female child was taught to be submissive, tolerant and compliant; to acquire only minimal education, but to be proficient in domestic work (cooking, tailoring, home keeping etc.) so that she could adopt the primary role of a home maker. Most children did not have exposure to co-education. Introversion was encouraged, and mixing with the opposite sex considered a taboo.