How to parent an Internet child star

 A child using a laptop. [istockphoto]

Child prodigies have existed throughout time, and now that the internet is a ubiquitous part of our lives, it is bound to create its child stars.

Nowadays, if you ask children what they want to be, some will tell you that they want to be content creators.

Some just get their start early, but it is an understandably scary prospect for most parents, as the internet and childhood publicity can both be a recipe for disaster. So how can you navigate this?

As a parent, your primary goal is to ensure the well-being and balanced development of your child. The child's health and happiness should come first.

Dr Muthoni Gathecha, a clinical psychologist, tells the Sunday Magazine that parents need to recognise that all children are gifted differently, and if a child gets into the aspect of social media that is lucrative and beneficial, and possibly generating income for the child, they should be in a position to embrace and support them.

She, however, says that parents also need to create awareness in their children that such platforms will also have negative energy, which may deflate their spirit.

“At any point in life, negativity is detrimental but at younger ages, it can crush their spirit and crush that gift. If it deflates their spirit, then, of course, they may think they are doing the wrong thing when they are doing what they are passionate about,” says Dr Gathecha.

“So as a child is growing, the parent needs to give the child tips on self-worth, self-esteem and self-image, so that they are proud of who they are – they know who they are, they know what they want, and they believe in themselves. Because many times you get out there and because people are nasty and are not doing as well as you, they will look for a way to bring you down.”

Dr Gathecha says instilling in them aspects of self-value and self-belief will enable the child to overcome the negativity that can come from social media and you should also prepare them to realise that negativity is not only on social media; it is everywhere, so they need to learn to navigate it while taking pride in the gifting that they have and use it for their benefit.

Parents should also be in control of that social media space so that they can guide them. They should be able to monitor what is happening. You have to set clear boundaries but also explain to them in an honest and open conversation.

“Have a conversation with them, because gone are the days when parents would thrash the child. Now it is a matter of dialogue,” says Dr Gathecha.

Guidance from you as a parent is crucial, and you should also educate them on the importance of online safety.