Post by : Saif Rahman

Navigating parenthood can be tricky, especially as parents juggle work, household tasks, and family obligations. Frequently, conversations with children occur while parents check emails, browse their phones, or ruminate on upcoming deadlines. They believe they're engaging, yet children can often sense when their parents are not fully attentive. Psychologist and psychotherapist Tanushri Tejas Talekar highlights the significant role emotional presence plays in a child’s development and self-esteem.

Talekar notes that parenting extends beyond just providing food, education, and clothing. Children thrive in environments where they feel secure, understood, and emotionally nurtured. If parents are distracted, even unintentionally, their children may feel neglected or undervalued, leading to emotional distance that impacts their worldview and self-regard into adulthood.

The expert emphasizes that many parents misinterpret emotional presence. It does not necessitate being flawless, always accessible, or abandoning discipline. Nor does it require constant entertainment for children. Instead, emotional presence implies genuinely engaging with a child’s feelings. Parents should aim to discern the emotions behind behaviors rather than responding impulsively. Tanushri asserts that emotional presence is gauged not by time spent, but by quality attention. Even brief moments of sincere focus can yield profound effects.

She reassures parents that busyness should not induce guilt; it's the quality of interactions that count. When parents make the effort to be mentally present, children feel acknowledged and valued.

To strengthen emotional bonds, the psychologist proposes five daily practices for parents. First, begin mornings with a simple emotional check-in—ask how the child feels about the day ahead rather than just inquiring about schedules. Second, take a moment to assess a child’s feelings before reacting to misbehavior. Third, dedicate a few moments of uninterrupted attention without phones or distractions. Fourth, assist children in identifying their emotions without stigma to build their emotional vocabulary. Lastly, conclude the day with rituals like storytelling or expressing gratitude, reinforcing the sense of safety and support.

When parents are emotionally present, children develop resilience and self-confidence. They learn effective stress management, face challenges head-on, and maintain composure in tough situations. This nurturing produces adults capable of emotional regulation, empowering them to confront issues confidently.

Conversely, children raised by emotionally detached parents often struggle with expressing feelings, leading them to either repress emotions or exaggerate them for recognition. These tendencies can persist into adulthood, negatively impacting personal relationships and self-worth.

Thus, dedicating moments of active listening each day can dramatically alter a child's trajectory. When parents show interest, ask inquisitive follow-up questions, and listen attentively, children feel cherished. This emotional bond fortifies their ability to navigate the world with confidence and purpose.

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