Local Government Minister Urges Parents to Prioritize Children' Emotional Wellbeing

According to the Guyana Times, Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand recently urged parents to focus more on how their children feel, emphasizing that this responsibility should never be overlooked, as children need to feel supported, valued, heard, and loved, especially during their formative years.

Manickchand's insights were gained from discussions with teenagers across various age groups, including those outside the formal school system. These encounters suggest that parents and families should seriously reflect on certain issues, as some teenagers reported not feeling loved, experiencing loneliness, and feeling uncomfortable bringing personal problems to their parents or siblings. Furthermore, some reported that expressions of affection were not a regular part of their family dynamics.

These responses highlight an aspect of daily family life that can easily be overlooked. Parents might feel that their love is clearly shown through the sacrifices they make, the financial resources they provide, and the opportunities they work hard to secure for their children. While these actions are important demonstrations of parental duty, the Guyana Times notes they do not necessarily cover every emotional requirement a child might have.

Beyond providing necessities such as food, clothing, shelter, and education, parenting must extend beyond meeting material needs. Children also require meaningful communication, attention, reassurance, and an environment where they can speak freely without immediate fear of criticism, rejection, or punishment.

There is a noted distinction between loving a child and ensuring the child feels loved. Parents who are deeply committed to their children' welfare might have children interpret certain interactions differently. Recognizing this difference is crucial, requiring parents to listen to their children rather than dismissing their feelings because the parents believe those feelings are unjustified or misplaced.

Manickchand's focus on validating children' emotions is particularly pertinent because a young person's concerns might seem minor to an adult who has experienced more life difficulties. However, what a parent might view as a small disagreement, a friendship issue, or a disappointment could be a significant source of distress for a teenager. The Guyana Times states that dismissing such concerns does not cause them to vanish; instead, it can discourage children from seeking guidance when it is most necessary.

The teenage years involve shifts in personal development, social expectations, identity, and relationships. Young people are also navigating an environment where television, social media, movies, and other online platforms continuously shape their understanding of acceptance, affection, and relationships. The messages and images they encounter may establish expectations that differ considerably from the values and expressions of affection present in their own homes.

While families cannot entirely control the external influences young people are exposed to, they can assist children in understanding and managing these influences. This process starts with conversations, patience, and a readiness to listen without making children feel that their experiences are unimportant.

Although Guyanese families may not traditionally express affection through words, the Guyana Times mentions that love is often shown through acts of service, discipline, provision, and hard work, and these expressions should not be discounted. Nevertheless, the article suggests there is no reason families cannot become more comfortable using the words children need to hear.

Affection should not be limited to birthdays, special events, or achievements when telling a child that they are loved. Furthermore, affection should not be made conditional on meeting parental expectations, good grades, or exemplary behavior. Children must grasp that while their choices may necessitate correction and their decisions may have consequences, their inherent worth within the family is not determined by their performance.

The Minister's framing of her message as advice from one parent to another, rather than a lecture, reinforces the importance of approaching parenting with a willingness to learn and openness. The Guyana Times observes that no parent is without flaws, and family relationships demand ongoing adjustment and attention.

Ultimately, children should not have to doubt whether they are loved or whether their home is a safe place to turn when facing difficulties. The words of reassurance, the willingness to listen, and the patience to comprehend are described as essential components of responsible parenting.