Kids need to know that you support them, Mumbai-based Psychologist tells parents

Amid the ongoing exam season, a city-based psychologist has cautioned parents against burdening their children with unrealistic expectations, adding that imbibing the 'we are there for you' feeling in them will work wonders for their self-esteem and overall growth.

"Listen to your kids carefully and non-judgmentally. Try to be there for them when they need your support. This is the time that they need your support and people around them who can share their concerns," psychologist Arati Suryawanshi said.

It is imperative that parents create a 'we are there for you always' feeling in their children, she said, adding kids tend to perform better when they know that they have full support of their family.

"Parents can't help their kids directly with the kid's studies  and allow them to do it own their own.
However, taking care of their needs also goes a long way, For example, even fetching them a glass of water or fruit juice, when they are engrossed in study helps," she said.

"Empathising with children doesn't mean that parents should let them do whatever they want, but rather understand their emotions," Suryawanshi, director of the Mindful Heart Consultancy, an organisation working in the emotional wellness sector, said.

"Avoid reacting immediately to your child's actions. Take a pause and rethink before responding. Please remember that your child is trying his best to tackle situations created by people around him," she said.