- By: Alishba Khan
Being a parent is full of hopes & dreams for the kids. Yet, in Pakistan, traditional values clash with modern influences. creates a unique parenting situation worth exploring. Yelling is a common way to discipline children in many Pakistani homes. consistently shouting can cause stress and result in ongoing behavioral problems. Research shows that kids who hear a lot of yelling are 50% more likely to have anxiety and other issues. Healthy discipline sets clear boundaries & teaches responsibility.
Also, Punishment can lead to emotional distress. Many parents confuse these two methods. They don’t see the psychological damage punishment can cause. A lot of pressure is placed on kids to achieve high academic success. Consider a child named Aisha. She becomes withdrawn and afraid of failing after being yelled at for poor grades. This situation happens too often in many households. In Pakistan, some bad parenting practices include gender discrimination. Boys often get favored treatment while girls may be overly pro
tected, which limits their chances and opportunities. These parents often fail to stress the importance of respecting elders. In the past, children learned to help elderly people and show them honor. However, this old-fashioned sense of respect appears to be diminishing. Today, many Pakistani parents use TVs, mobiles, & cartoons to keep noisy kids quiet. But research says too much screen time especially for kids under 2 can hurt language development & social skills. Open discussions about sensitive topics are often not encouraged in homes too, leading kids to hide their problems & feel confused making poor choices without proper guidance. Many of these negative practices come from parents’ past trauma or their own harsh upbringing continuing a cycle of bad behaviors handed down through generations.
To address these issues, parents in Pakistan should adopt a more effective style of parenting. Rather than relying on yelling or harsh discipline, they should focus on healthy methods that set clear boundaries and explain consequences for actions. According to a child psychologist: “Healthy discipline is about teaching, not punishing.” Children learn best in safe environments where they feel supported. This helps them understand their mistakes without the fear of emotional harm that punishment causes. Parents need to promote honest and open conversations within the family. When children feel safe discussing personal issues with their parents, they make better choices and avoid confusion or secrecy. Imagine a family where open discussions about feelings are the norm. Children raised in such settings often grow up with stronger emotional intelligence. Parents should also realize that focusing only on academic achievement can lead to huge stress for their kids. It’s important to let children join extracurricular
activities like sports or creative hobbies because these help with overall growth. Gender equality needs attention too at home. Girls deserve the same chances and freedom as boys to chase their dreams without being held back or overly protected. Cutting down screen time while engaging kids in family-oriented activities can greatly enhance their social skills as well as communication skills. Instead of using TV and mobile devices as babysitters, parents should work on building meaningful connections at home through interactive learning experiences together. Lastly, it’s crucial for parents to think about their unresolved traumas or tough childhoods since this impacts how they raise their kids. Seeking support or practicing self-awareness can break the cycle of negative behavior creating a healthier environment for children to thrive.
Pakistani parents have the power to change harmful patterns & build brighter futures for their families. Moving forward, it’s vital for Pakistani society to recognize how essential it is to guide & support parents. The Pakistan Council of Family Relations (PCFR) is already taking steps by providing resources & support for families facing these challenges. By providing support, information, and guidance, we can help parents navigate the challenges of raising children in today’s fast-paced world. With the right assistance, parents can create environments where children can grow into responsible and compassionate adults.