Chennai: A research report, released and discussed among experts at the Global Parents Virtual Conclave held recently, claimed that coronavirus has changed the nature of parenting.
The survey was conducted by Indian ed-tech startup Lifology, spanning 12 nations and 81,327 parents. Research activities were led by Harvard alumnus Lana Egtherafi and Rahul J. Nair. Lifology identifies itself as a career accelerator for teenagers and is a Guinness World Record winner.
According to the study, “It is alarming that 64 per cent of parents across the globe are confused about raising their children in this new and chaotic world. One of their concerns is the financial stability and mental wellness of their children in the post-COVID world.”
They are also worried about children spending disproportionate time online (48 per cent), lack of physical activities (45.2 per cent) and planning of academics (34.5 per cent). “Majority of the parents (71 per cent) find digital detox as an option and believe that there should be ample methods for the same.”
Egtherafi, director of Lifology Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) region, said, “It is really appreciable that parents openly acknowledged that they have confusion/uncertainty in leading children forward. I wish to bring this point to every national and state governments’ attention. It is indeed important to intervene with proper measures to equip parents with proper skills and information to guide children in this VUCA world.”
The survey also said, “69.7 per cent parents opined that pursuing passion is important for a child to reach heights of a career, as the idea of jobs and careers are paving way to a more flexible and dynamic job environment.”
According to Nair, occupational psychologist and co-founder of Lifology, “In a rapidly changing world, people can keep GRIT high, only if they follow a strong passion. This is very much important for the mental health, happiness and positive development of children. We are really glad to see that majority of parents understand the importance of allowing children to follow a passion. We are sure this will make larger changes in the productivity of children in academics and later on in profession.”