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In today’s digital age, where almost everything is happening online, physical interaction between parents and children has become a vital aspect of parenting. Lucia Mutsvedu, an educationist, development practitioner, and parenting expert, emphasizes the importance of physical engagement between parents and children to instill the right values in young people. ##
The Challenges of the Digital Age
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- Exposure to the internet of things (IoT) and online content that may not be accurate or reliable
- Reliance on online interaction, leading to limited physical engagement
- Increased risk of substance abuse, mental health issues, and unbecoming behavioral attributes
Mutsvedu highlights that the internet has become a major challenge to parenting and socialization, as children are more exposed to online content and end up believing that everything they see and hear is correct and real. ##
The Benefits of Physical Interaction
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- Emotional support and bond development
- Effective communication and behavior modeling
- Monitoring and guidance
- Healthy activity encouragement and holistic development
Mutsvedu emphasizes that physical interaction provides a sense of security and emotional warmth, allowing parents to pick non-verbal cues and provide nuanced emotional support. ###
Why Physical Interaction is Essential
“While the internet has made online interaction easier, fact remains that physical interaction is the way to go if you want holistic development for your children,” Mutsvedu said. “Being physically present provides a sense of security and emotional warmth at the same time allowing you to pick non-verbal cues that helps you read body language and facial expressions with a view to allow more nuanced emotional support. “The idea that you get to spend time with your children also strengthens bonds through sharing quality time and other important memories through hands-on experiences. “This ideal gives the parent a hand-on approach that gives better results and molds your child to become a better adult.”
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Addressing Behavioral Challenges
Mutsvedu emphasizes that physical interaction and presence helps in molding your child’s behavior, monitoring them, and providing the right guidance. “Holistic child development calls for positive role modeling whereby you demonstrate healthy behaviors and coping strategies that children can emulate,” Mutsvedu said. “Equally important is direct supervision whereby you get to understand what your child is going through and provide a supportive environment. “That way you are able to encourage be they health activities or social interactions.”
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Conclusion
Mutsvedu’s sentiments were echoed by the revival programme hosts pastors C and M Mubaiwa, who spoke about the importance of understanding times and recognizing the preciousness of time. “Equally important is the need for parents to play their part by being good and responsible guardians and stewards of this generation. “We must all recognize the preciousness of time and using it effectively to God’s purposes rather than wasting it on foolish pursuits or selfish pleasures.”
The importance of physical interaction in parenting cannot be overstated. It is a vital aspect of raising a responsible generation that can withstand the pressures of today. ###
Key Takeaways
• Physical interaction is essential for holistic development
• Physical presence provides emotional support and security
• Monitoring and guidance are crucial for behavior modeling
• Direct supervision is important for providing a supportive environment
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References
• Mutsvedu, L. (no date). Safety N’ Us.
• Mubaiwa, C., & Mubaiwa, M. Apostolic Faith Mission of Zimbabwe.
