Page 64 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 5 | June - July 2024

PRAVEEN ANANSONGVIT KALRA, 45
Director of Falcon Mind, Bookkeeper, and Math Tutor

Technology can present a major challenge as a parent. How do
you deal with it?

Today, everything is instantly and easily accessible. As parents, it’s
fun and comfortable to rely so much on technology, but when we
watch our children ‘enjoy’ the same comfort from a very young age,
it creates a dilemma. How we were raised back then, worked. We
were often aware of our privileges when our parents gave us more
freedom, and appreciated what we received. However, today, children
seem clueless of these differences, which is why comparisons no
longer make sense. Comparing past generations to the Gen Zs and
Gen-Alphas needs to stop, as the times have flipped 180 degrees,
and there is no turning back. Understanding and accepting these
facts and implementing changes ASAP is the only way forward for
our sanity, as well as to harmoniously keep up with our children.

What are the other challenges that you face as a 21st Century
mother, and how do you handle them?

To keep up with my five-year-old daughter, I have accepted that Moreover, children today are more aware of the things their friends
practicing old methods no longer works. I am responsible for have, and naturally want the same. With my daughter, I will first
preparing her for her future, but that begs the question: while being see if it’s necessary and try to not splurge on a lot of things. I try not
open minded and flexible, how much is too much or too little, and to give in to all her wants, but when I feel she’s earned it, then I
where do I draw the line? have no issues in giving her a treat to make her happy. In fact, I’ve
sometimes found myself in hilarious situations where deals and
Many parents have debates over the use of technology, and yet, we bargains are being made by my mini-me! I’ve come to realise that
rely on it so much ourselves. We shouldn’t compare our past to diplomacy and patience are always key.
their present – kids won’t hesitate to point out that if we can use
technology now, why can’t they? From the moment they are born,
they watch us hold a phone to photograph each of their movements.
Therefore, technology has always been a part of them.

SARIKA KHERA, 37
Homemaker

What are some parenthood-related struggles that you’ve had with
technology?
There is a struggle to maintain quality family time in this digital
age. For instance, during family dinners, my kids are often more
engrossed in their tablets or smartphones than in conversations
with us. These constant distractions make it difficult to foster
meaningful family connections and teach essential social skills.
However, I do ensure that I spend meaningful and attentive quality
time with my children.

As a modern mum, how do you handle the new challenges of today?

Striving for a harmonious work-life balance is a challenge! When
I was working a part time job and my husband was out of town,
it became difficult for me to manage both work and family
commitments. I missed my daughter’s dance show and felt terrible
guilt when she said that she looked around for me. This experience
highlights the constant tug of war between professional duties and
family obligations. Currently, I try to prioritise my kids and plan mental health issues. Today, they are pressured to excel in every
accordingly, using a family calendar to track important events, aspect, aiming for admission to prestigious colleges like Ivy League
deadlines and schedules. This has helped me to plan ahead and schools. Unlike in the 90s, where parents focused more on teaching
be present for significant family moments. I’ve also built a reliable survival skills, this emphasis on achievement can lead to depression
network of friends, family and childcare to step in if I really can’t and rebellion, causing them to lose touch with the joys of life. I’ve
be there for them. witnessed how this pressure affects my own child, who struggles to
balance academic success with personal wellbeing, often feeling
What is your advice for helping our children deal with today’s overwhelmed and stressed. Therefore, I would say that addressing
challenges? these societal expectations and prioritising our children’s mental

Our children are confronting different societal expectations and health and happiness is key.

64 | MASALA MAGAZINE JUN-JUL 2024