http://cogprints.org/4205/
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 relatively 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, take up 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
Sharma, I
Journal of Indian Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health
I
Sharma