Handling Life’s Surprises: When Youngsters Swipe Left
- by WONDERMOM
- Sept. 22, 2023
When life throws you a curveball, how do you handle it? Oops! There’s that word, “handle”. Think of it like a buzzword in a board game – every time you hear it, you get to move forward. But here’s the fun part: our younger generation seems to be swiping left on handling things. Yes, they’re masters at handling tech, but life’s hiccups? Not so much.
Growing up, most of us remember those moments when our parents or grandparents would sit us down for an age-old lesson on handling problems. Be it a broken toy, a squabble with a friend, or the mysterious case of the missing cookie – we were taught to face it, find solutions, and grow from the experience. Today’s kids? They might be masters at handling level 99 of their favorite video game, but real-world challenges? Uh-oh!
Let’s imagine a scene. Your adorable toddler, Jenny, is playing with her favorite doll. Suddenly, the doll’s arm snaps. The old-school response? A mix of tears, a little DIY fixing, and a big lesson on handling delicate things with care. Fast forward to today, and the reaction might be a tad different. A swift search online, a new doll delivered the next day, and voila – problem ‘solved’. But wait, what happened to the art of handling the problem at its root?
The dynamics of the digital age might be changing the way our kids handle problems, but it’s our job as parents, guardians, and caregivers to keep the real-world lessons alive. Why? Because understanding the value of handling challenges, big or small, is integral to personal growth.
So, how can we teach our tech-savvy kids the art of handling life’s surprises?
1. Lead by Example: Before you ask your child to handle their emotions or problems, demonstrate how it’s done. When you face challenges, take a moment, breathe, and approach them rationally. Show them the process, so they know it’s okay to face hurdles.
2. Encouraging Dialogue: Communication is the bridge. Encourage your youngsters to talk about their day, the highs, the lows, and everything in-between. It will not only improve your bond but also give them a safe space to share.
3. Celebrate Efforts, Not Just Results: The journey is as important as the destination. When your kids try to handle something on their own, celebrate their effort. It will encourage them to tackle challenges head-on in the future.
Remember, our youngsters might be champions of the digital realm, but they need our guidance in the real world. Handling problems is like a muscle – the more you flex it, the stronger it becomes.
Now, I won’t leave you with a heavy conclusion. Instead, here’s a fun thought: The next time life throws you a curveball, or your kiddo faces a hiccup, think of it as a bonus round in a game.