It was in 2012 when the General Assembly of the United Nations Organization designated June 1 as the Global Day of Parents. The objective was to lay stress on the critical role of parents in the rearing of children.
The day brings the prominence of children growing up in a family environment and in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding. But the day is also considered as an opportunity to appreciate all parents.
The UN stated that it is a day to recognise the parents for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship.
The pandemic has been a challenge for parents because children are out of school while they still have to work.
According to the UN, parents are the anchors of the family and foundation of the communities and societies, “Parents have the responsibility of sheltering their families from harm, caring for out of school children and at the same time continuing with their work responsibilities. They pointed out that without support from parents, children’s health, education and emotional well being is at risk.
What they have proposed is introduction of family-friendly workplace policies and practices, companies and organisations will be in a better position to promote children’s safety and well being by providing systematic support to employees.
Parents are currently overwhelmed, said Abeer al Mujaini, practicing psychologist in Oman and Head of Psychology of Youth Volunteering Team. “No doubt the role of parents is important especially during the pandemic. Unfortunately there has been so much more of a burden in regard to education of their children and keeping children healthy, protecting them from Covid-19 and being able to entertain children during the pandemic. They have not been getting enough support and I think it is very important to know that parents’ mental health is part of a child’s well being, development as well as family’s well being. If the parents are healthy it results in an environment that is fit for the well being of the children.”
Parents have not been getting enough support and I think it is very important to know that parents’ mental health is part of a child’s well-being, development as well as family’s well being. If the parents are healthy it results in an environment that is fit for the well-being of the children
Abeer al Mujaini
psychologist
According to her parents are burned out and the rate of depression and anxiety among the parents have increased and that will definitely result in more problems for a child.
Abeer recommends, “I think first of all schools need to understand the parents’ role in education is limited because of the responsibility they have especially if they are working parents. I think the schools have to recognise that parents cannot take on a teacher’s role. That does not mean they do not care for children’s education. Also I think that more support with psychological services should be available for parents whether it is in a community, school or clinic setting. We need more support groups and we need more therapies that are accessible should anyone need them. It should not just be related to the child and that parents come in second place. We need to care more for fathers and mothers who are working hard. We need to recognise that even if it is a small part of appreciation or giving them more time to have an opportunity for self care that will reflect on children being in a better place.”
Children are only with teachers for a few hours but what is important is the teaching of values that is given by parents, said Chitra Narayan, educator and founder of Middle East Nursery.
“Children are like saplings and with well directed love parents can bring up children in the right. We can see the result reflected in the children’s attitude and the emotions, which is the foundation of character that is established during the crucial years. It is the responsibility of both the parents. The parents must lay the foundation straight because it is the future of the children.
What they must impart is the knowledge of their own culture, must inculcate faith in the values and they have to practice spiritual discipline in order to achieve mental peace. Children must grow up in the atmosphere of reverence, devotion, mutual service and cooperation. It is always parents first and teachers next and playmates and companions can come later. Teachers are moulders but the time with the students is limited, whereas parents and home have the maximum influence,” she reflected.
She pointed out that the most important aspect is that children have to realise the value of parents, “They have to be guided to appreciate and respect their parents.”
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