Smart Parenting: Coping with Parental Pressure
A Teen’s Challenge and Expert Guidance
Meet Aarav, a 13-year-old who feels overwhelmed by his mother’s constant scolding and the fear of disappointing his parents. Our Parenting Editors, along with psychologists, offer advice on how to handle this tough situation.
Aarav’s Struggle
“My mom is always scolding me about something or another. I’m tired! I know I’m not perfect and I make mistakes. I’m not the best at school, and I spend 3-4 hours playing mobile games after classes. But it’s not that I don’t want to succeed in life—I just have trouble focusing and staying motivated. My mom, a stay-at-home parent, is always on my case. When my dad comes home, she tells him about my shortcomings. I feel like my parents are embarrassed by me.”
Professional Advice
Dear Aarav, it’s great that you understand the difference between right and wrong. That’s the first step towards success! Remember, parents love their children more than anything, even if they don’t always show it in the same way. Your mom scolds you because she wants you to reach your full potential.
These years are crucial for shaping your future. Would it be too much to dedicate a few hours to self-improvement? Just like a diamond needs cutting and polishing to shine, so do you. Here’s a simple plan to follow for two weeks—trust us, you’ll notice a difference in yourself and your parents’ behavior:
- Study for four hours each day for 21 days.
- Do what your mom asks right away, without delay.
- Stay quiet, even if you feel like arguing.
- Reward yourself with 15 minutes of game time for every hour of studying.
- Eat a bowl of mixed fruits daily to help balance your mood.
- Get at least eight hours of sleep every night.
Give this plan a try for 21 days and let us know about your experience. You might be surprised by the positive changes!
