Why our children are so bored , cannot concentrate
on study, cannot wait, get easily frustrated and have no real friends.
Children are getting worse in many
aspects.
We have seen and continue to see a decline in children’s social,
emotional, academic functioning, as well as a sharp increase in learning
disabilities, depression and aggression.
Today’s children come to school emotionally
unavailable for learning and many factors in our modern lifestyle contribute to
this.
1. TECHNOLOGY
Compared to virtual reality, everyday life is boring. When kids come to the
classroom, they are exposed to human voices and inadequate visual stimulation
as opposed to being bombarded with graphic explosions and special effects that
they are used to seeing on the screens. After hours of virtual reality, they
are unable to process lower levels of stimulation. Technology also
hinders parents' emotional availability.
Limit the use of technology. Have fun times together. Go for a picnic, trekking, a walk in the garden....
2. INSTANT Gratification
Kids get everything they want the moment they want.
“I am Hungry!!”
Here is the ready snack (packets of junk)
“I am Thirsty!”
Here is the drink (bottle of soft drink).
“I am bored!”
Use my phone. Watch TV.
The ability to delay gratification is one of the
key factors for future success. We have all the best intentions in mind
to make our children happy, but unfortunately, we make them happy at that
moment but miserable in the long term.
To be able to delay gratification means to be able to function under stress.
Our children are gradually becoming less equipped
to deal with even minor stressors and "frustrations " which
eventually become huge obstacles to their success in life.
Teach the kids to delay gratification. Do not give
in to demands INSTANTLY unless it is urgent
3. KID's Rule
“My son doesn’t like vegetables”
" He doesn’t like going to bed early” “He doesn’t like to eat breakfast”
“He doesn’t like toys, but she is very good at his IPAD” .....
Children dictate parents. If we leave it to them, all they are going to do is eat pasta, noodles, pizza
and chips, watch TV, play on their tablets/smartphones and never go to
bed. We are giving them what they WANT even when we know that it is not Good for
them.
Without proper nutrition and a good night’s sleep, our kids go to school
irritable, anxious, and inattentive.
In order to achieve our goals, we have to do what NEEDS to be done.
If a child wants to be an 'A' student, he *needs* to study hard. If he wants to be a successful soccer player, he needs to practice every day.
Our children know very well what they WANT but not what is NEEDED to
achieve that goal. This results in unattainable goals that leaves the kids
disappointed.
Teach the difference between WANT & NEED
4. ONLY Enjoyment
We have created a fun world for our children.
Endless Activites!! There are no dull moments. The moment it becomes quiet, we
run to entertain them again because otherwise we feel that we are not doing our
parenting duty. Why aren’t children helping us in the kitchen or with laundry? Why don’t they
tidy up their cupboards? This is basic monotonous work that trains the brain to
work and function under “boredom”.
Teach them to do "boring" chores like
folding the laundry, setting the table, tidying up after meals, packing and
unpacking their own bags....
Let them have unstructured time. Set limits, make schedules for meals, sleep, study, outdoor play, technology
usage.....
5. NOT Enough Social Activity
Kids used to play outside, where in the
unstructured, natural environment, they learned and practiced their social
skills. Competition (tuition/coaching), Structured Activites (painting, music, karate,
zumba, etc) and Technology replaced the outdoor time. Successful people have great social skills.
Social skills have to be learned and practiced just like other skills. Teach them social skills, (manners, cooperation, team work, ...)
Above are some points about our kids developments. So far we are pushed them in these kind of thing in the name of Comforts. Struggle is the main feature of success & development. We are responsible for creating the next
generation of healthy, happy and successful people.
