Parenting the right way in 2025

Parenting the right way in 2025 (Photo: iStock) It is time to start and stick to the resolutions we have already listed for the next 361 days. Parents are included in this list of resolution-making planners. In drawing parenting resolutions whether as a single parent, a couple, a family, or the extended family unit have you considered what parenting in the new year will look like without leaving the task to chance? Family coach Catherine Mugendi says parenting is not just a role; but is a responsibility with lasting consequences. "The art of parenting is a noble task, but a tricky one, and from the day, through childhood, teenage to young adults, the seeds you plant throughout the parenting journey will bear fruits throughout the parenting value chain," says Mugendi. She explains parenting stakes in 2025 will be higher than ever. Parents will face many challenges as they struggle to parent with intentionality and purpose. According to the expert, parents should adopt parenting skills that revolve around a thriving family in 2025. According to the expert, the heat that was witnessed in 2024 by many parents of Generation Alpha and GenZ will overflow in the new year and many parents will be faced with more drama due to the influence of technology, social media, peer pressure, AI and an incredibly changing society. Maurice Ndinda's resolution for parenting in the New Year is to be purposeful and intentional. He says he has planned for "more family times with his children. His resolutions include family activities like hiking, camping, and other great gravitating activities. "In 2025, I want to nurture my children's creativity and imagination and maintain this consistency as opposed to last year when I remember only one outing bonding engagement as a family," says Moris Ndinda, a father of three. He also proposes to support his nine-year-old son's interest in soccer, more so attending his training sessions whenever he has time. "I admit I am not the best soccer player, but I know my son loves and appreciates that I make an effort to play with him, no matter how many kicks and goals I miss!", says Ndinda. As for his teenage daughter, he and his wife have planned to support and guide them as they pursue their interests. Cooking and Eating Together "People who 'break bread' together have a bond," Dr Jonathan Haidt writes in his book, The Anxious Generation. "The simple act of eating together, especially from the same plate or serving dish, strengthens that bond and reduces the likelihood of conflict, he adds. Maryanne Mugure intends to give more time to this activity, which she missed doing last year. "Cooking the Christmas meal with my daughter and son has made me aware of the bond that forms when my children and I cook and eat meals together, I watched how my daughter shares everything from stirring and serving responsibilities with her younger brother," says the mother of two. She says they each compromise on who sets the utensils and who pours the drinks, and they come together to decide details, such as which vegetables are served and whether certain drinks need ice. "They are learning real-world skills while problem-solving and forming character-building habits together, without even realizing it," she says. Maryane says in 2025, she will formulate the habit of writing ingredients and cooking steps out on paper as opposed to being fixated on watching a how-to video on YouTube while cooking. This will offer practical lessons for her and the children. Using Technology as a Tool Work towards setting digital discipline while reminding children that technology isn't always bad. Writer Dr Haidt says technology is neither friend nor foe," explains Dr. Brown. "It's a tool, and like any tool, its impact depends on how we use it. Parents hold the key to shaping that relationship," he writes. In his book, Dr Haidt presents several principles for creating a healthy and meaningful platform for children in this digital age: no smartphones for adolescents before high school, no social media before the age of 16, phone-free schools, and more independence, free-play, and real-world responsibilities. He advises parents to continue encouraging their children to use learning programmes and research techniques, helping them learn about AI, spot fake content, and properly fact-check whatever they see online. Maryanne says she knows to be successful in the long run, it depends on their role as a parent, her in-laws, and carers and constant reminders to remain focussed on the rules set forth rather than let technology overcome the parenting journey. "Of course, it won't always be easy and that's OK too," she says. When all is done and dusted, coach Mugendi advises parents to remind themselves the goals they have set for 2025 require baby steps. "It is about being mindful of our technology use, specifically using smartphones at specific times during the day-even setting reminders and timers on cell phones. Certain parental controls help and so does staying consistent," she says.

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