Is your child's interest in becoming a social media influencer making him less focused on his studies? A psychologist explains how parents can navigate this difficult situation. I will explain.
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Picture this: An 11-year-old boy gathers his entire family into the living area. Excited, he announces that he is going to imitate his teacher and classmates. As soon as the boy begins his act, everyone in the room feels the urge to put their hands over their mouths to stifle their laughter as the family watches in anticipation. “When he told me that his job was terrible and that he wanted to be a content creator, I couldn’t resist the urge to tell him that he should focus on his studies and forget all about being a content creator. yeah. social media influencer'' said Namya, the boy's aunt.
We live in a time when children grow up admiring idols. content creator and Social media Influencer. Moreover, there is a widespread belief among children that content creators can easily earn money. We spoke to clinician Dr. Prerna Kohli. psychologist Founder of MindTribe.in, to know her views on the subject.
Why are more kids wanting to become social media influencers?
“Given the widespread exposure to social media and the allure of fame and visibility that comes with it, it's not surprising that children are drawn to the idea of becoming influencers,” says Dr. Prerna.
Parents should try to understand if their child is truly interested in becoming a content creator or if they are just pursuing a career option for the wrong reasons. “Open communication is key here. Parents should sit down one-on-one with their children and discuss the pros and cons of pursuing such a career path,” suggests Dr. Prerna.
As a parent, do you feel guilty for discouraging your child from creating content?
Many people feel guilty about stopping their children from doing things they naturally want to do. “Parents should not feel guilty for setting boundaries or steering their children away from certain pursuits. We recognize that parental guidance is essential to a child's overall development. “It's important to remember that instead, parents can support their child's creativity through alternatives that match their child's values and interests,” recommends Dr. Prerna.
Should parents give honest feedback about their child's skill set?
Many parents who believe in constantly motivating their children give their children false hope by telling them that their child is doing well. For them, Dr. Prerna suggests that parents should provide honest feedback and guidance. If you don't, you're probably inadvertently doing an injustice to your child in a way.
In summary, Dr. Prerna says it is essential to provide guidance on responsible online behavior, ethical considerations, privacy concerns, and mental health. “Even if children and parents agree on the idea of pursuing content creation as a career option, parents need to ensure that pursuing it does not overshadow other aspects of their child's development. ” she concludes.
