We live in extraordinarily good times. But quite often we “follow the herd” and adopt hollow values and misconceptions that place more emphasis on everything that isn’t important. If we know how to identify these behaviors and learn why they are so harmful to our personal well-being, we can make our lives and the world better.
Why is this important?
Our children learn more by watching us then by listening what we say to them. So, lead by example.
Perspective 1. A successful person needs an apartment, a car, and a new cell phone
Understanding this perspective is critical because many parents mistakenly believe that they aren’t good parents if they cannot provide for everything that their child wants. Consumer culture is a very large part of our modern society, so if we meet someone who owns their own apartment, car and the newest mobile phone, we’ll probably see them as successful. But does such property make a person successful? What about their relationship status? Their debt? Their ability to enjoy life? All of these are of no less importance than the things they own, but nevertheless, we hardly think about them… This perception is important to change, because the things we acquire, even if they are evidence of being in an excellent economic situation and not just reckless purchases leading to debt, are not what define us or the people around us.
The key to remember is that “fulfill the needs of your child. Not their wants“
Perspective 2. Life needs to be documented on social networks
Oh Millennials! These are the people who take pictures of all their meals before they start eating, take mirror selfies regularly, and generally are unable to disconnect from their Facebook account or their Instagram. These people are so concerned about nurturing themselves in the virtual space that they sometimes hurt themselves and the people around them in a variety of ways, some of which are felt more and some less.
At the most serious levels, such behavior can lead to the development of depression and narcissism, which is why it’s very important that we all work, collectively and individually, on reducing this habit significantly. Just ask your family members or friends to stop doing these things, and if they’re evasive or a reluctant to respond, confront them with the fact that they are damaging your relationship and your time in favor of meaningless.
Perspective 3. We all need to be celebrities
More and more people, especially young people, try to live their lives as celebrities do, almost imitating them. This is a very familiar and negative phenomenon that many social researchers and psychologists have tried to explain and change, and it is very easy to understand why. First, it’s clear to all that the average young person doesn’t have the time, the money, or the support that would allow for the wild and exaggerated lifestyle certain celebrities appear to live. Second, the inability to perfectly mimic the example that celebrities exhibit causes many to feel miserable and develop feelings of inferiority. To avoid this, all we have to do is tell ourselves and our children that we need to be who we are. True, long-term happiness won’t exist in people trying to be something or someone they aren’t.
Perspective 4. Parenting is a competition
Many parents think they need to do everything for their child: Buy them the best new toys, guide them at every crossroads in their lives, etc. With all these demands, when do you have time as parents to spend with the whole family walking around the neighborhood, or maybe getting involved in an activity that helps you recharge?
The simple answer, of course, is that you won’t have time if this is how you live your life. When people don’t devote time to these activities, they hurt themselves and their families significantly. These anxious parents should be reminded that parenting isn’t a competition with the other parents at school. If they see that another family has a better stroller or takes professional family photographs, they don’t have to be jealous of them and aspire to do the same things – you can simply compliment them and move on in life.
Perspective 5. Academic degrees are the key to success
Over the years, our society has developed a certain obsession with academic degrees. But the reality today is that there is no truth to the claim that a person without a degree is less successful than those with an advanced education of one kind or another, and in many professions where the salary is high and the conditions are good there are no such requirements. Of course, it is important to learn and acquire knowledge that will enable a person to make a living, but we shouldn’t put down honest fields of work that may not be as prestigious as others. Because without them, and the people who chose them, we wouldn’t be able to live the way we do.
Above all, remember, your child is watching you and learning from you. Be kind.
Source: Internet & Others
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The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.
