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Zoom Fatigue: A New Problem for Students and Adults

Zoom Fatigue: A New Problem for Students and Adults

Zoom meetings and zoom calls have become a part of our lives now. In unprecedented times like these, we are connected to our offices and institutes through Zoom and other video conferencing platforms.

 

There has been a lot of emphasis on screen time and how to limit it, but during times like these, most of us are left with no other option than sitting for hours on Zoom. When we sit continuously at one place every day, we tend to feel tired and lazy. Zoom fatigue is a real thing, and a massive part of the world is suffering from it. 

 

From students attending online classes to employees working remotely, zoom has become a part of our life.

 

A close friend of mine who is a teacher and is teaching from home shared her experience with me. She was teaching and finished her lecture over Zoom. As soon as she finished her lecture, she fell asleep on the couch itself. She is a great professor and loves teaching. However, she told me how teaching online is exhausting. She would never feel tired after coming from the university. 

 

Her live classes were loved and appreciated by all. She loved interacting and connecting emotionally with the students. When the COVID-19 pandemic came, everything changed for her. Her teaching was now limited to a virtual space. 

 

She discussed it with other teachers, and all of them felt the same. They started realizing how tired and unhappy Zoom life is. It is like you are emoting extra because you are just a little box on screen. 

 

This fatigue or exhaustion is not limited to Zoom, but also to Google Hangouts, Meet, FaceTime, and Skype. Human communication has been much more than just words. It was never about two people simply talking, but constituted various aspects. For instance, a person’s body language and mannerisms are reflected through his way of communication. These non-verbal interactions meant so much to us. It also prepared us to paint a holistic picture of the tone of the conversation.

 

How is Zoom Call Different from regular conversation?

A video call is nowhere near real-time communication. Due to the pandemic, we all have been missing the fun of meeting and interacting with our favorite people. A typical video call requires more attention to understand the speaker’s words and intentions. 

If someone talks in front of you, you can understand their intention by their actions and body language. However, it is not the case with video calls. Moreover, if the video quality is not good, you might miss details in words or expressions.

 

There are a lot of people who heavily depend on non-verbal communication, and it is very difficult for them to cope with zoom calls. The problem intensifies, even more, when it’s a multi-person call or meeting.  

 

No matter how hard we try, we can only give partial attention to the video calls. There are many distractions that eliminate our attention. We also start feeling stressed with continuous screen staring. It makes the Zoom meetings less collaborative. 

 

How has Zoom saved education and businesses worldwide?

With the pandemic and uninvited lockdown, everything was shut all of a sudden. No one knew how to run businesses or run education systems. While work and education was important, everyone was confused about how to continue the same during a lockdown. 

Zoom Fatigue

It was during this time that remote work came into existence. Moreover, platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Skype were highly helpful to all companies and educational institutes. It was through these platforms that we could continue working and studying amidst a lockdown.

 

Being an entrepreneur, the initial lockdown time was hard to run our business. However, as we started Zoom meetings, I realized how things have become even more efficient than they earlier were.

 

For instance, we had to travel long distances to attend company meetings or conferences in different cities or states. It consumed so much of our time and energy. Also, we could not take our entire team with us. Now, we prganize Zoom meets and everyone from the company can be a part of the meeting and understand its nature. Zoom meetings have really changed how things worked. 

 

It is a great platform for companies to carry out the seamless work of the organization. Companies can organize 2-3 meetings per week with people from different places joining it. It saves both the time and money of the company and its employees. Also, the interactions are better and understandable. 

 

Why does zoom make you feel tired?

The critical question here is why zoom calls make you feel tired when all you have to do is sit at home and open your laptop. 

 

As remote work started, people were very happy, especially office employees. They were working from home, and they did not have meetings clogging up their day. They felt life was good back then until they discovered a new type of fatigue, called ‘Zoom fatigue.’

 

As I said earlier, it is not just zoomed, but all video conferencing platforms that are posing problems. If you’re using any video calling platform a lot, then you tend to feel tired. Here are some reasons why we feel tired of virtual meet-ups.

 

  • You were a no-screen person: We all know so many people who are not much into technology. If you are someone who doesn’t like spending much time on screen, then you’ll start feeling tired within the first few hours of the video call. Most of us were not used to being on video for meetings, it was a new thing for us. From students to employees, we were more inclined towards physical meetings. Now that we have to spend 6-7 hours on the screen to study or work, we might feel anxious and tired.

 

  • Back to Back Calls: Today, most educational institutes are working remotely. All classes are online. Back-to-back lectures make students extra tired. They lose concentration and track of topics while being on screen for so long. Schools and Colleges should provide proper breaks for students to revive energy. Similarly, employees feel super-tired when they have back-to-back work calls. When you are put in a situation, where you have to sit without moving for hours, your body starts feeling tired, making you anxious.

 

  • Virtual Engagement is hard for you: Just like introverts avoid social interactions, there are people who avoid virtual interactions. A person who is not used to engaging with other people via screens and video calls will start feeling tired in some time. You might have the capacity to work on your laptop most of the day, but interacting with people stresses you out. It is another reason for Zoom fatigue.

 

  • Multi-person meetings scare you: Most office meetings and class lectures include many people interacting with each other. When you see so many faces, it makes you anxious. Moreover, you feel like everyone is looking at you, and you need to behave. Everyone has to sit formally to avoid getting noticed, and it gets very tiring at times.

 

  • Fear of Presenting: We all know the struggle of giving a proper presentation during online meetings. Most of the time, the audio and video do not align making things difficult for you. Another major problem is network issues. You might give your best, but someone interrupts saying the sound was not clear. You need to repeat the words, and the anxiety increases even more. You feel tired of repeating and explaining your point.

 

  • Longer Meetings: It has been observed that virtual meetings last longer than regular meetings. It is mostly because of technical glitches and network problems. Many times, things have to be repeated again and again to bring everyone in the loop. Conference room meetings were precise, short, and not tiring. 

 

  • Constant Distractions: While we are working from home, we are unable to concentrate as much as we did while being in the office. Be it your kids, husband, or maid, you get distracted constantly. These distractions break your concentration and exhaust your mind. The task that you could have completed in 30 minutes, takes more than an hour while working from home.

All these were some reasons why a person feels more tired during virtual meetings. It might sound simple, but it is really tiring and burns out the brain. 

 

Common Signs of Zoom Fatigue

Now that we know Zoom fatigue is a real thing, much of our tiredness is justified. Not only physically, but zoom calls burn us out emotionally and mentally. 

Zoom Fatigue

 If you feel more tired now than ever, then here are some signs you need to look for. 

  • You feel tired between work calls. There might even be times when you did not have the energy to call clients or work. You might feel tired and plan on taking a break after every call.

 

  • At the end of the day, you are more exhausted than before. You’ve been working for a long time now, and you know the difference between the two fatigues. If you get more tired now than before, it is probably zoom fatigue.

 

  • You are mentally somewhere else and physically on the call. In fact, most students and employees are daydreaming while sitting in front of the screen. If you find it very hard to pay attention to your meetings, then it is also a sign of zoom fatigue.

 

  • Your eyes dry out with excess screen time. Many people are facing eye problems because of the extended screen time. Strain in eyes or irritation in eyes are common signs of zoom fatigue. However, this irritation or strain should not be pre-existing.

 

  • Headaches have become a lifestyle for you. Most students and workers suffer from headaches and migraines because of sitting in front of screens for long. You should give your health a priority if you suffer from regular headaches.

 

  • You feel exhausted and unhappy throughout the working hours. Work has become a stressful part of the day now. People used to enjoy working and meeting people at the office, but the virtual office leads to a constant feeling of exhaustion. 

 

  • Do you feel anxious about turning on your camera? Well, it is another sign of Zoom fatigue. People feel stressed about facing others and sitting in front of the screen.

 

So, if you are suffering from any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you are probably down to Zoom fatigue. 

 

5 Zoom Fatigue Solutions that Work Extremely Well

If you feel stressed and anxious because of this virtual work environment, then we have some great solutions for you. Zoom fatigue can get to your nerves at times, but we are left with no choice other than to adjust.

 

Here are some ways in which you can prevent zoom fatigue.

 

  • Avoid Multitasking

 

Multitasking is a myth. People often believe that multitasking improves efficiency, but it is absolutely wrong. Multitasking not only reduces your productivity but also provides low-grade results. A single task is done with much more efficacy than a bunch of tasks.

 

One of the reasons why zoom fatigue is more exhausting is because we often multitask while working at home. Most people mute their mics and start working on other tasks. Some people start typing messages on another platform or start doing a household chore. All these activities make you feel more tired. 

 

If you listen to the meeting attentively and dedicate your 100% attention, then you’ll be able to follow up easily without getting lost. It will also save your mind from spending hours recalling what happened in the meeting. When your brain does not divide attention between two or more sources, it won’t feel tired. 

 

So, multitasking is overrated and leaves you more exhausted. You should perform one activity at a time, but with full attention. 

 

  •  Set a Meeting Time for Yourself

 

It might sound rude, but it isn’t. There is no harm in agreeing upon an end time to virtual meetings. Most Zoom meetings are overrunning because we’re scared of leaving the meeting first. 

 

So, it is better if everyone gets on the same page and decides an end time for the meetings in advance. You can spare 9-10 A.M for meetings and do not drag it beyond this period. 

 

It might be a challenge initially to run a time limit on meetings. However, as you realize how you need to cover everything in 60 minutes, you become more efficient with managing the meetings. Only the important points will be covered, giving no room to lengthy conversations. 

 

  • Do not set back to back calls or lectures

 

You might like or dislike the idea of back-to-back calls, but you can’t deny it gets exhausting. Be it college lectures or office meetings, sitting in front of screens for a long time is stressful. 

 

If you set breaks between two meetings, then you get enough time to refresh and prepare yourself for the next meeting. Also, you sit with a fresh mind and act more productively. You can take restroom breaks, snack breaks, or a simple meditative break. 

 

You may also limit the number of zoom calls you take per day. Since most people are working from home these days, there are no official call timings. Clients tend to call at any time of the day. However, it is very annoying. You should book Zoom calls according to your work schedule and time slots. 

 

You don’t have to take calls at odd hours just because you are working from home.

 

  • You may shift to phone calls or email

 

If you are someone who genuinely hates being on screen, then you can talk to your superiors and ask them to exempt you from Zoom meetings. However, you can ask them to contact you through regular phone calls or emails,

 

Whenever a client sets a Zoom meeting with you, check if you can avoid the meeting by having a conversation over slack or email. At times, you might have Zoom meetings scheduled for evenings. But, you might feel tired or zoomed out about attending the meeting. You can politely ask the client to switch to a phone call or set a meeting for a later time. 

 

Not only you, but the person on the other side will also feel relieved about not attending a video call. You can simply say, “I’m a bit tired of the screen. Would you mind discussing details over the phone?” 

 

  • Do not set Zoom meetings with unknown people

 

I have seen many people who have made video calls a primary mode of communication. However, setting video calls with new prospects, clients, or office workers can be daunting. Many people feel zoom calls are invasive at times. 

It is always safe to use phone calls for initial meet-ups, and you may later shift to video calling. If you get video calls from your workplace at odd hours, you can decline them without thinking twice. You may ask through email, text, or a phone call if there’s anything urgent. 

 

 Final Thoughts

 

No matter how much we hate the new remote work culture, it cannot be avoided. During times like these, you should be grateful for having worked in hand. However, your work should be treated as work and not life. You need to know your boundaries. Burning out and feeling tired the entire day because of excess screen time is unfair. You should always give your mental well-being and physical health a priority over Zoom meetings. Follow these simple zoom fatigue solutions to prevent the problem.

Zoom meetings and zoom calls have become a part of our lives now. In unprecedented times like these, we are […]

Parenting Techniques for Working Parents

Parenting Techniques for Working Parents

Being a parent is a blessing. It is a feeling beyond explanation. One does not know the feeling of giving birth to a child and see them grow unless they experience it.

 

Every couple wants to be the best parents. They want to support and help their child in every way possible. All parents want to give everything to their children. Parenthood is also a tiring and stressful task, but it is all worth it when you see your child doing great in life because of the values you inculcated in them. 

 

Different couples use different parenting techniques. While some choose to be understanding and supportive parents, others choose over-protective helicopter parenting. However, things get even more arduous when you’re a single parent. 

 

Being a single parent, I know the struggles and hardships a single parent has to go through. Not only do they need to balance work and life, but also prioritize their children. In fact, in a single-parent family, you do not even have the choice to quit your job to concentrate on your kids. 

 

I am a mother to two daughters. I was quite young when my husband died. With two young daughters, I had no idea how I would manage everything from work to family. I had to take over our family business after my husband, but I also had to raise my daughters. I was a housewife before, and I did not want my daughters to feel that they get ignored because of the work responsibilities that I have now. So, it started getting very stressful for me.

 

However, I decided to manage my time and work in a way that I manage all my jobs efficiently. To create a work-life balance and raise my daughters, I gave my 100 percent. I decided to give my best and see what results come. My daughters were smart and independent. At times, they would understand my struggles and help me. 

 

I made sure I never mix my work and family. I made a rule where I’ll be 100% present in my office during office hours. I would be completely present there. Similarly, when I would be at home, I would stay with my family and not get distracted by work. It was hard to maintain a balance initially, but soon the trick worked for me. I neither let my work suffer because of my family commitments nor did I let my daughters suffer because of my work. 

 

Common Challenges Faced by Working Parents

Every parent works hard to ensure they provide their children with the best. While some parents succeed, some often fall prey to the guilt of not providing enough time to their children. When it comes to mothers, the situation intensifies even more. 

 

Today, times have changed, and many people do not bother about working mothers. However, even today most women are judged based on the type of mother they are. A woman’s role as a mother is often overvalued than her professional position.

 

Some common challenges that working parents have to face are given below.

 

  • No work-life balance: A full-time job sometimes seems too much for a mother. It gets really hard for her to devote 8-9 hours each day to her work. Working full-time can be both tedious and exhausting. Most couples find it hard to maintain a balance between their work life and personal life.

 

  • Feeling of Guilt: One of the worst things about working parents is the amount of guilt it brings. On one hand parents need to work hard to provide their children a comfortable life they also feel bad about not spending enough time with their little ones. There is a ceaseless feeling of guilt that remains in all working parents, where they need to choose between their work and home.

 

  • To Follow Passion or Not: Many times when couples form a nuclear family, it gets very hard for them to work and raise a child. When it comes to taking care of children, no parent wishes to leave their kids with someone else. In such situations, either of the parents has to give up their passion to look after the family. In most cases, mothers need to sacrifice their careers as children stay happy and warm around their mothers.

 

  • Challenge to be good parents: As I said, everyone wants to be the perfect parents. However, couples often take it as a challenge. When it comes to a working mother, they take the stress of proving to the world that she can be a good mother and a good professional. These societal expectations often disrupt their peace and happiness. They are unable to enjoy either parenting or their professional life.

challenges of parenting

  • Redefined Priorities: Most of the time, working men and women are judged from a different perspective. There is a great disparity in how we look at couples. Men are always given the responsibility to work and earn for the family. However, women are often asked to commit to children. But, when women choose to carry their professional life ahead, they are often questioned and bickered about.

 

  • Extensive Multitasking: Most working parents have to multitask when it comes to parenting. Parents have to work at the office, manage household chores, and spend time with their children. Parents often lose track of their time and get no time for themselves. It gets really tiring and depressing sometimes.

 

10 Parenting Techniques for Working Parents

 

You might feel that being fully committed to work or family is an impossible task. Working parents often have to face this problem. It can be exhausting and daunting to manage everything at once. You might find it hard to perceive completely as a parent or an employee. However, you don’t have to feel this way. You can ace both roles- a full-time career while taking an active role of a parent. 

Here we have discussed some parenting tips that will help working parents juggle the two sides of life easily.

  • Stop feeling guilty

 

Quite often, mothers are judged for abandoning their children when they work full-time. Although fathers are expected to go to work and provide financial support to the family, mothers are expected to stay at home and look after children. However, some women do not have the option of staying at home. For instance, I had no choice but to handle the family business after his demise. There was no other way things could have happened. Some women might even want to work because they don’t want to give up their hard-earned careers. No matter what the reason is, neither of the parents should be judged or ashamed of taking their own decisions. 

 

If you feel guilty about not being with your child all the time, you will not be able to give your best in both roles. You need to let go of this guilt and focus on the positive things that your work life is helping you in your family life. You should be confident in whatever decisions you take. Your child will feel and admire your sacrifice when they grow up.

 

  • Effective Time Management

 

When you’re a parent and an employee, your time management skills should be superb. You cannot dwell extra time on things that you can accomplish quickly. Working parents need to plan and manage their time efficiently. When I started working, I would often feel that 24 hours is very little to accomplish everything that I desire. However, one of my teachers taught me how from Prime Minister to Military, all have the same 24 hours. The number of hours does not matter. What matters is how you manage and make the most of those 24 hours. I took the lesson and started working on my time management skills. Today, I look after my business, my life coaching profession, my daughters, and my spiritual and social life all at once.

There’s no trick to achieve it, but you can use some time-saving hacks, shortcuts and plan strategically. For instance, you can order groceries online during lunch break and pick them up or get them delivered to your house. Similarly, you can schedule virtual meetings and conferences during your commute. You should decide your outfits, food, and tasks a night before so you can spend more time with children during the morning. All these hacks will save your time and energy.

 

  •  Be Transparent to Your Manager

 

Many times people do not tell their managers or boss that they’re struggling to balance their family life and work life. It is because they think their employers will judge their performance. Sometimes a working parent is assumed to be less productive. 

 

There’s no doubt that there will be some changes in your life and working styles after having a child. Moreover, mothers are generally the primary parent when a child is sick or has a doctor’s appointment and other chores. So, working moms often require more flexibility in their work schedules. However, it does not affect their productivity or commitment in any form. No parent uses their child as an excuse to avoid work.

You can avoid all these miscommunications and misconceptions by openly talking to your manager or boss and explaining your problems. When you’re open with your superiors, they not only listen but also help you in any way possible. Your manager will appreciate your transparency and dedication to be super-helpful at work and home.

 

  • Say No To Distractions

 

As I discussed before, maintaining a work-life balance is all about time management. Time is a very precious commodity when you are a working parent. The trick to spending equal time with family and at work is to manage time. However, humans have become very less productive with the advancements in technology. It is very easy to get distracted today and complete the work of 15 minutes in 45 minutes. 

 

When you’re at work, you have to be mindful of your time. From socializing with co-workers to using your phone or spending extra time during lunch, you need to cut all these habits. All these habits reduce productivity. You need to limit your lunch break and internet surfing time. When you’re at home, give all your attention to family. Do not get distracted by work calls, emails, or social media. Instead of using your phone or watching TV, play board games with children or help your partner with chores.

 

  • Seek External Help

 

It is quite common for women these days to seek help from childcare providers. There is nothing wrong with doing so unless the childcare provider is trustworthy. A parent needs to know that their child is in safe hands while working. It helps them to concentrate more on their work and less on thoughts about their home. You can find a nanny, a daycare, or someone you can trust with your child. 

 

If you live in a joint family, things get easy when both parents are working. You may have aunts or grandparents to look after your kids. However, if you’re going for a daycare, select the one with flexible hours. A clean, spacious, and warm environment works best for children. You may even hire a nanny with extensive experience. It is always better to hire a nanny that has helped someone in your family or friend circle in the past. However, if in any way you can manage your child without help, there’s nothing better.

 

  • Divide Duties With Your Partner

 

Parenting is a team effort. You don’t have to take the job all by yourself. You might want to be a better parent, but it will only exhaust you. It is always fruitful to team up with your partner when it comes to family life.

 

You both should equally respect each other’s professional and personal lives. When you are working as a team, you will yield the best results. From dividing household chores to parenting duties, divide them equally. The burden of housework should not fall on either of the parents. When both of you will divide duties, you’ll be equally contributing and feel happier. 

 

If your child is older, you can delegate some tasks to them as well. Children feel very happy to be able to contribute. You can give them simple tasks like folding clothes, packing and unpacking their toys, helping in cleaning, setting the dinner table, and many more. When everyone works with heart at home, a strong bond is formed. All family members feel equally valued.

 

  • Set Some Family Activities

 

Being a working parent, you already feel stressed about not being able to give enough time to family. As soon as the weekend approaches, you start thinking of all how you can have fun with your children. Simple activities like playing board games or watching movies with children will make them very happy.

 

In fact, your children too look up to weekends for some fun family time. Many parents spend their weekends going through their children’s week performance. However, you can spend time with your family by planning activities. You can organize a weekly game night, organize a mini picnic, or go out to have your favorite food. You may even take your kids to the park and have fun with them.

 

  • Leave Your Work at Work

 

Most parents get so stuck in their work that they do not even realize how they spend hours working at home as well. When you do not leave your work at work, you become very unproductive. Even though I had a habit of working whenever possible, I soon realized it isn’t helping me in any way. I remember how once someone guided me, about the best use of time in fulfilling a task with wisdom and attention. I was told, if you try to catch three rabbits at a time, and you run after one of them, you’ll lose the other two. In the same way, if you try to be present everywhere, trying to acquire everything at one time, you will not even be able to manage even one of them properly.

 

Later, when I had to take care of my personal, professional, and social life, I had already realized these are the three rabbits I had to catch and manage each one of them graciously. You see, this is how some people make the most out of the 24-hours in a day while some just sit and think 24 hours are too few. 

 

  • Single Parent

 

Being a single parent is very hard. Today, many people choose single parenting. People today are more career-oriented, and raising a family single-handedly can be extremely challenging at times. The parent has to manage all household chores, raising children, and manage office work alone. The child might even start feeling the absence of the other parent and question them. 

 

Also, a single parent often feels lonely and depressed. However, despite all these factors, a single parent tries to give the best to their children. From managing financial burden and emotional burden, life gets tough for them. 

 

Being a single parent myself, I understand the struggles. It was a really tough challenge for me to raise two young daughters alone. But, I did not give up and trusted my parenting methods completely. I never doubted myself to be a bad parent. From finding extra time for my family to managing their crucial growth period, I never depend on anyone for help. Just trust your parenting technique, and your children will admire your hard work.

 

  • Give Up On Perfection

 

Life can get really messy sometimes, so can be parenting. As parents, it is natural to feel the need to be perfect all the time. However, no matter how hard you try you cannot be perfect all the time. You might miss deadlines or forget important dates, but it is alright. The urge to be perfect always will start affecting your mental health. Every home is messy, and it is ok if you couldn’t cook a meal.

 

Parenting should not be perfect but should be a fun thing to do. You should enjoy parenting rather than challenging yourself. Many parents often stress about their parenting method by comparing themselves with other parents. 

 

You can set tasks for yourself and give deadlines. If you get the task done, put a tick and don’t stress about perfectionism. It is better you just be yourself and avoid comparing yourself and your parenting technique to others. Also, let go of the expectations and just enjoy the process.

Being a parent is a blessing. It is a feeling beyond explanation. One does not know the feeling of giving […]

Corporate Counselling: A Step Towards Healthy Workplace

Corporate Counselling: A Step Towards Healthy Workplace

A workplace with no problems is a dream. No organization does not have to deal with criticisms, backlashes, or problems. Conflicts are an inevitable part of any company.

 

An organization is formed by the collaboration of many people. Many people from different states, cultures, backgrounds, education, and upbringing come together to work under one roof. When so many different people come together to work as a team, differences are bound to happen. These differences often take the turn of conflicts if not looked after. 

 

Corporate counseling is like a health care program for the employees. It helps bring solutions to the psychological health problems of the employees. Employees build a mindset and learn to solve their problems through it. 

 

Today, workplaces have stressful environments. Everyone is jealous and strives to be better than the other person. However, not only in the workplace, but stress is an inevitable part of human nature. In such situations, it becomes the responsibility of the managers or employers to enhance employee motivation. 

 

Only a motivated employee can work productively and yield results. Corporate counselling boosts the willpower and satisfaction of the employees and employers. 

 

Business Growth with Corporate Counselling

Being an entrepreneur, I know how hard it is to manage a workplace efficiently. With so many things to manage and work to complete, it gets very arduous to look after each employee and their relation with others. It is where corporate counseling comes into play. Corporate counselling can help your organization by looking after the problems and finding the solutions for employees. I have counseled many workplaces. From startups to Fortune 500 companies, I have helped them all reach new heights.

An office is a place where the workforce spends most of their time dedicating themselves to their work. They face many problems and challenges in the process, and it often results in emotional and mental instability. It starts affecting the mental and physical health of the employee. 

 

An employee who is not in the right mindset will never help your business grow. A corporation where the working conditions are highly stressful and competitive will find it hard to witness business growth. 

 

The growth of any business completely depends on its employees. If the employees are in good mental health, working productively, and giving their best at work, then a corporate counselling session can be extremely helpful. 

 

How does corporate counselling work?

Counselling is a two-way process. A counselor helps you by providing guidance and advice. A coach would listen to your problems and show you the right path. 

Many times, we do not realize how much our employees need mental health therapy. Employers believe giving cash benefits or leaves is enough to keep an employee happy and productive. Well, it is not. 

 

In many situations, employees feel the need for guidance and counselling to improve their performance. Counselling is a process of helping employees achieve better adjustment with their work environment. If an employee finds it hard to adapt and adjust to the office environment, then he or she will not be productive enough to bring changes.

 

Also, an employee might not be able to understand how to deal with different situations at work. Many times we feel we do not belong to the office, or the work is sucking the life out of us. All these thoughts start affecting our mental health. When we aren’t mentally healthy, our physical condition will also start declining.

 

The three essential elements of the cycle are:

  1. Correspondence: Communication or correspondence includes accepting messages or listening to the clients (tuning in), giving suggestions and advice to clients (reacting), and giving feed­back to the client. The counselor does all these activities for effective communication.
  2.  Engaging: The way toward engaging empowers the other individual to practice more self-governance, giving encouraging feedback so the alluring conduct is additionally fortified and makes conditions in which the individual can gain from the conduct of the men­tor.
  3. Making a difference: At long last, helping basically includes ID of the formative requirements of the individual being directed with the goal that he/she might have the option to create and build his/her viability.

 

Why do you need corporate counselling?

If you’re wondering or are confused if you need corporate counselling or why you need it, then here are some reasons to look upon. 

  • Your employees need to come out of a problem that has been disturbing them lately. It can be an office problem or even a personal problem that is distracting them from working efficiently. Counselling will help them by giving them a new way to deal with their problems.

 

  • Most of the time counselling is a way for the employer to show how much they care about their employees. If you hold a counseling session at your organization, it will make your employees feel valued and cared for. It shows how you care about their well-being.

 

  • There can be long-going problems at your office that need to be resolved. Most of the time, you don’t even know problems are going on among employees and managers. Corporate counselling can help in solving such problems. Being a counselor myself, I have helped organizations resolve very long conflicts from the root. Today, the employees of my organization work happily and attentively because they know their health is valued. In the same way, your office can get a new environment by counseling.

 

  • The employees of your organization have not been performing well for a long time. Many times, when work becomes monotonous, and employees feel burnt out, they stop feeling productive. It starts reflecting in their performance. Corporate counseling is the best solution if you feel the employees of your organization are not performing like they once were.

 

  • If your employees do not feel confident or open about sharing their thoughts and feelings, then counseling can really help them. Most organizations arrange company training for the new employees to learn work. However, organizations often ignore the fact that employees also need to learn to adjust to the new working environment. It is where counselling can help. Corporate counseling helps people by boosting their confidence and guiding them to adjust and learn.

 

  • The work environment of your organization is toxic is another reason for arranging a corporate counselling session. There are chances that your employees are jealous and insecure of each other’s growth and create a very negative and toxic environment. No One would like to work at such an office where there is negativity. Counseling can help in removing these feelings of insecurity from employees.

 

12 Benefits of Corporate Counselling

Corporate counseling can bring an organization many benefits. Let us throw light on some major benefits of corporate counseling to any organization. 

Workplace counseling services can play an essential role in support of a healthy working environment. In today’s fast-paced, sometimes stressful, corporate world, it’s not uncommon for an employer to have staff struggling with personal or workplace-based stress.

 

  1.   Entrepreneur skills

 

Corporate counselling also provides entrepreneurs with techniques to deal with problems related to money, and finances as well as skills required for success. These include decision-making skills and also effective communication skills. The person gets to learn new approaches that can help him make decisions even in unfamiliar situations. It can help in solving problems that can hamper the business very quickly.

 

It can also be of great help in creating expansion plans. It helps in keeping one’s business in the right direction at all times and also makes sure that it remains profitable. It teaches one to choose one’s clients wisely, help one’s employees develop themselves, and also creates awareness among customers about one’s products. One of the main purposes of this training is to ensure that the staff develops and maintains personal relationships with each and every customer, which is crucial in building long-lasting rapport.

 

  1.   Conflict Resolution Techniques

Corporate Counselling 

One of the greatest benefits of corporate counselling is that it helps in conflict resolution techniques to build teams. While there are many benefits to working as part of a team, some people argue that building cohesive teams is harder than simply putting individuals to work. Often teams have to work through communication problems, and they may never be able to achieve consensus on key issues because their personality differences create an enormous divide. While it’s difficult to predict whether individual contributions will ever prove sufficient on their own, working as a team can make it easier to come up with solutions to common problems.

 

  1.   Improves Decision Making

 

For the companies, corporate counselling helps in improving decision making and also for the employees this is one of the best options to get out of the situation which they are not very satisfied with. The company counseling also helps in getting good project management done for the business. The process of project management helps the company in getting better output at the end of the day. There are many other benefits as well which the company gets by going for corporate counselling.

The company will be able to get more time for the completion of the projects. They will also be given better chances to progress the project in the right direction. It will help in getting the results at the soonest time possible. When the company is under pressure, they will be able to make decisions quickly, but the wrong decisions will cost them heavily, and therefore it is a must to have good decision-making skills. The company will be able to concentrate on its core business which will result in better profits. It will also help in increasing the sales of the product or service provided by the company.

 

  1.   Creates Positive Environment

 

Corporate counselling helps in building a positive environment for employees and management to work smoothly. It is one of the best methods to overcome organizational dysfunction, breakdown of communication, lack of trust, conflict resolution, and lack of direction. This method can be used in every type of business, whether it is a small-scale business or a large one. The concept of corporate counselling has evolved after the increasing issues in the past years. Many organizations have started using this method to overcome their conflicts, shortcomings, and in building a unified team. It helps in building a positive environment for management and employees by offering services like Problem-solving, conflict resolution, team building, career development, and leadership development.

 

  1.   Distributes Roles and Responsibilities

 

There are various types of benefits that corporate counselling helps in distributing tasks and responsibilities among employees. A good manager is one who has a clear idea as to what he wants from each employee. He sees to it that duties are properly distributed because if this is not the case, then there will be a conflict between objectives. The first thing that is noticed after a company implements corporate training is that its customers tend to respond better to its products and services. A manager who knows what he wants from each employee can easily identify what each employee is good at and what is not so good. 

 

  1.   Enhances Productivity

 

Corporate counselling helps in enhancing productivity in a corporate organization. The overall productivity of a company is determined by the amount of time it takes to accomplish various tasks and this productivity is highly dependent on the efficiency of the management of the company. Some of the tasks that consume most of the productive time are records gathering, document preparation, planning meetings, purchasing of necessary supplies and equipment, etc. The entire process of running the business may take up a lot of time that can be enhanced with the help of corporate coaching. It will allow you to increase the speed at which tasks are accomplished, and this will, in turn, help in increasing the amount of profit the firm makes.

 

  1.   Gives Confidence to Employees

 

Corporate counselling is essential as it enables the management to build a strong foundation. It helps to reduce costs and to streamline several processes. It facilitates better communication and collaboration between employees and supervisors. It helps to ensure that goals are consistently maintained while employees continue to develop and grow.

 

  1.   Employees understand each other

 

Corporate counselling helps employees to understand each other and to adapt to changing situations. This is because it helps employees learn how to work with others in a way that is conducive to their individual strengths and weaknesses. In the process of helping people understand each other, the sessions also help the employees to develop leadership skills.

 

 

  1.   Reduce Absenteeism

 

Corporate counselling helps companies to reduce their absenteeism rate by analyzing the problem and suggesting solutions. The counsellors help the workers to get more time for work, thereby increasing production and enhancing the revenue of the company. The counsellor also helps to improve the working environment and reduces stress on the workers. The trained counsellor not only provides theoretical understanding but also helps you to implement practical steps that can help you to make the business better.

 

  1. Improves Mental Health of Employees

 

Corporate counselling is a crucial component of any effective Human Resources (HR) department. It improves the mental health of employees, as well as their productivity. Many employees are subjected to harsh working conditions and supervisors that create mental stress in workers. Counseling helps address these issues and helps employees develop skills that will improve their job performance and their enjoyment of working in their particular company.

A workplace with no problems is a dream. No organization does not have to deal with criticisms, backlashes, or problems. […]

Problems That Women Entrepreneurs Face In 2021

Problems That Women Entrepreneurs Face In 2021

Newspapers, journals, and other publications simply report on the number of women who run their own businesses. In 2017, approximately 51% of women in the United States were employed, hiring nearly 9 million people and producing $1.7 trillion in revenue. These figures, however, only tell part of the tale. Women’s entrepreneurship is about much more than this.

They’ve battled all of the issues that women entrepreneurs face for a long time to get to where they are now. A similar upward trend can be seen in entrepreneurship, where women-owned businesses and firms are gaining tremendous visibility and growth.

However, when it comes to women, things are far from perfect, and the same is true for women in the company. Despite having the requisite aptitude, stamina, determination, and creativity for the company, women have faced numerous personal and professional obstacles that have held them back and continue to hold them back. 

  • Women entrepreneurs are confronted with several problems from the start of the business. 
  • The traditions, practices, socio-cultural values, ethics, and motherships subordinated to linguistic and male husbands, physically poor, challenging workplaces, the feeling of vulnerability cannot be harsh.
  • Women have to suffer even more in rural areas. The resistance from men is tough. They are regarded as assistants.

 “Shaakh Se Jo Toot Jaye Hum Vo Pattian Nahi, Toofano Se Kaho Vo Apni Aukat Mein Rahe”

Who is a woman entrepreneur?

A woman entrepreneur can be described as a woman or a group of women who works to improve the economic situation. At the end of the day, a woman entrepreneur is described as a woman or a group of women who start a business and run it successfully.

Women’s entrepreneurship visionary, according to the Indian government, is described as a venture owned and controlled by a woman, as well as an activity claimed or controlled by a woman to grow and improve income generation.

I have seen marriages getting broken just because the wife earns more than the husband. I have also seen the females fighting hard to survive as all they did their entire life was to depend on their husbands. The times have changed and now I tell everyone to stand on their feet and lead a life that is independent. 

Major problems that women entrepreneurs face in today’s times

Women Entrepreneurs

Let me tell you some of the obstacles that the women entrepreneurs face:

  • Financial problems

Money is to a business what food is to a human body, and it is essential to every company, large or small. On the other hand, women suffer in this regard because they lack access to extra funds, familial land and, in some cases, receive no material or financial support from their own families.

Women are also having trouble obtaining external funding because they are viewed as low risk-takers who would not achieve the desired performance for their company. To overcome this, women should take advantage of government-sponsored programmes for women, SMEs, and the like. 

When my husband passed away I was like a blank cheque. I have always handled my home but now people were looking at me for professional reasons also. I had a lot of things to take care of and had a battle to win out there. Despite all those things today I am struggling and giving a tough fight to my competitors. 

  • A huge competition

Women continue to struggle for a footing in the world of men, and business is no different. In any event, a woman tries to make it big without proper financial assistance and organisational equipment to support her in advertising and marketing, promotions and towing. There is a massive rivalry between current and coming companies.

Furthermore, it is difficult to handle a stand-alone product that captures people’s eyes in the market, potentially leading to the failure or liquidation of companies operated by women. There is only one way to compete for your business – remain lean, place forces to weaknesses, chase big customers aggressively. 

  • Lack of education

It is a massive obstacle to women because it can be a basis for success or failure in any area of life. Almost 60% of women in India, which has long been one of our country’s most significant socioeconomic challenges, are estimated to be illiterate.

lack of education

Because of the lack of education and even basic knowledge, women are far from events worldwide, especially technological interference, increasing and decreasing markets and any type of business knowledge. There is also a significant barrier to women and one of the top issues for women businessmen: their lack of education and sufficient visibility.

This is because the women are not taught properly. Its the lack of getting connected with the outer world in the way like the males do. 

  • Male domination

Yes, women entrepreneurs with determination and vigour make a wave of the industry. Despite their right mindset and ability to work, women continue to be considered less than men. Male chauvinism in India is still prevalent, not only in rural but also in urban environments.

Women have always had different social and cultural standards than men’s. Though women now do household and professional tasks with aplomb, thanks to our patriarchal culture, they are perceivable as having husbands’ position and being beyond him.

Almost 47 percent of the women working in the sector are nonetheless prejudicial to the male way of doing things. Women can outfit themselves with such armour to counter the crisis, and they can do so not only in their working environment but also for life. Cultivate confidence and be strong so that a man or people will listen to you, in general. Staying optimistic attracts more people, and becoming an aggressive lifelong student will help you stay on top.

  • Limited access

Networks provide entrepreneurs with vital knowledge. Networks help businesses learn more and create significant links for additional resources and business development. It is challenging for women to find the connections they need when they start a firm and seek business growth advice. Networks are a haven for entrepreneurs, in particular, to learn about the rules of the game. They are a significant source of new business contacts.

  • Lack of role models

Even with experience in the industry, you may never have begun a company before and therefore lack the business and financial knowledge listed above. For new business owners, role models and mentors are indispensable. The role of women entrepreneurs will help women develop their skills and trust, and solid network connections are available.

  • It is challenging to find skilled persons who will meet this need for women entrepreneurs without solid networks and connections.
  • Leaning on more seasoned business owners is particularly beneficial for women who have just started their business journey.

I had a client who was extremely talented and had the calibre to do something extraordinary with her skills. One day we were just sitting and talking and I told her why not to start her own venture. She gave me a blunt look and I was shocked. She had such great out of the box ideas but just because there was no role model she was wasting her talent. 

I told her to look up to women like Michelle Obama. Being the first lady of the United States, she never stepped back from her own identity. Even the daughter of Barack Obama used to work in Mc. Donald during her summer break.  This is the type of will and determination that one must have in their life. 

  • Training

Women entrepreneurs need to be trained to operate and run a company successfully. Women who are still reluctant to undertake the business challenge should be educated.

  • Machinery and technology selection

Women need support in machinery and technology selection. Assistance in technical fields must be given to them for the business unit to succeed.

  • Investing

One of the most significant issues that women entrepreneurs face is money. Both family and government institutions should be generous in assisting them financially.

I had a client who had a very good idea of inventing something out of the box. She had all her plans ready but was not working on them. I asked her what was wrong and the reason she told me was surprising. Her husband was not allowing her to move forward as the family was not ready to support her idea financially. 

I told her to bring her husband the next day and with my support and counselling today she is a well known personality and her husband is standing with her like a rock. 

  • Responsibilities

Many women have children, husbands, and other commitments in addition to becoming entrepreneurs or working professionals. Personal and professional obligations can force a woman to choose between her company and her family. Her family expects her to be a mother and a wife, while the company expects her to be a leader and demonstrate dedication. It is also more daunting for those who do not have social support because they must bear the entire burden alone. Some women can strike a balance between these two aspects of their lives, while others are completely overwhelmed.

  • Business environment

Less developed business networks and social and traditional constraints that limit women’s involvement in business are among the obstacles that women face. Women are barred from owning businesses because of their religious beliefs. In certain countries, women may be forced to work with a male partner who will conduct business, negotiate, and represent the company. Despite these obstacles, the business world is increasingly tolerant of women’s abilities and efforts.

  • Gender inequality

Less developed business networks and the balance of social and traditional constraints that limit women’s involvement in business are among the obstacles that women face. Women are barred from owning businesses because of their religious beliefs. 

In certain countries, women may be forced to work with a male partner who will conduct business, negotiate, and represent the company. Despite these obstacles, the business world is increasingly tolerant of women’s abilities and efforts.

  1. Underestimation

It is difficult to believe, but women are still treated differently in our society. When compared to men doing similar jobs, women are paid less.

As a married woman, a housewife, and a mother, many women face challenges due to a lack of trust, expertise, and other factors and I also did the same.

Despite these difficulties, she accomplished her goals and set a precedent for all other female entrepreneurs out there, demonstrating that even though there are thousands of obstacles in your path attempting to destroy you and hinder you, all you have to do is battle them and continue on your path to success.

How life coaching helps women Entrepreneurs to cope with the above problems?

So, why does Bill Gates, a multimillionaire, say that everybody wants a coach? Coaching is a valuable tool for personal, technical, and business growth, but not everybody has access to one. 

Thousands of high-performing and super-successful people all over the world have achieved their goals without the assistance of a coach.

Role of a business coach for Women Entrepreneurs

Women entrepreneurs seeking business coaching are searching for ways to integrate tactics and resources that can help them simplify their business models and free up time. 

  • One of the most important areas where female business coaches can help them is in finding and developing their ideal clients in a lucrative niche. 
  • Without ideal premium clients who are willing to invest in themselves, there is no market. Anything less is a rollercoaster of anxiety.
  • Women entrepreneurs want to make a difference, leave a lasting legacy, and do work that inspires them. 
  • These high-achieving businesswomen seek to make more money and have a greater effect by working fewer hours so that they have more leisure, longevity, better health, and a higher standard of life. What’s the point if not? Is that correct?

Conclusion

To assist them in achieving the financial and personal independence that they crave. Is it possible for us to do it on our own? Of course, why not collaborate with someone who can assist you with getting there faster? That you can’t read the bottle label when you’re inside the bottle, not that they do the job for you.

Owning your business success as a woman inspires you to work harder and accomplish more. It motivates those around you. I, Ritu Singal has paved the way for more women to join corporate boardrooms. Confidence is a necessary component of success and development. When a woman takes the lead, others tend to follow. 

Newspapers, journals, and other publications simply report on the number of women who run their own businesses. In 2017, approximately […]

Indian Parenting: Common Mistakes and Solutions

Indian Parenting: Common Mistakes and Solutions

When it comes to parenting, I feel Indian parents are the most responsible parents. They take care of their child throughout their lives. If we see western societies, we often see how parents make their child independent after a certain age, and they both enjoy their own individual lives.

 

It is a good way of making kids independent and strong. However, the essence of staging in a family with your parents is something you’ll find only in India. Indian parents are always concerned about their child’s well-being, no matter how old they grow. They help their kids in all aspects of life. 

 

Many times children urge parents to be more modern and learn from other parenting styles. But, as they leave their homes, they start realizing the value of their home and family.

 

Being a life coach, I have given many people parenting counseling. Most people come with their own set of problems. However, I always see a sense of concern in every client. Either the parent is concerned over their child’s behavior, or a child is unhappy with the parenting style of his parents. 

 

A few days back, a family came to attend a counseling session with me. The parents had a 16-year-old boy. They thought that their son has gone out of their hands and that he does not obey anything they say. Being a teenager, the concerns of parents were riding high. They did not want their child to fall prey to wrongdoings at such a young age.

 

The health of the father had started declining because of the irresponsible behavior of the son. His concern and fears for his son started reflecting in his health. The child was, however, following the same pattern of avoiding his parents and their instructions.

 

As they started taking parent counseling services by me, I realized the problem behind all this was the generation gap. The parents were still following the orthodox methods of parenting where they wanted their son to study all day, perform well at school, avoid social gatherings, and all such activities. They would always keep a check on him, and the child started feeling suffocated.  

 

The father always shouted at him, thinking about the method of handling stubborn kids. This method of the father had made his son least bothered about anything. 

 

When I counseled the father and asked him to be polite and a bit more open to his son’s lifestyle, he agreed. Soon his father would adjust and amplify his son’s actions. He would not scold him or be harsh on him. Even if the som made some mistake, he chose to talk to him and sort matters politely. 

 

In the next session, I asked their son how things have been with his dad lately, he said, “Suspiciously well!” He was surprised to notice his dad was no more shouting at him. When the son started seeing this difference in his father’s behavior, he too started adjusting and obeying his parents. As he saw his father putting in efforts, he thought of putting his part in the action and making this right.

 

Gradually they all started adjusting to each other’s way of living. The son started performing well. In the third session, when I asked his dad how his health is, he said on a scale of 1-10, my health has reached 5, from 3 in just two sessions. They were very satisfied and happy with the counseling.

 

This incident made me think that most parents give the best of parenting when their kids are young, but as the kids grow up, they start getting away from their parents. The healthy parent-child relation should last forever and not just for a phase. I know each one of us tries hard to be the best parent to our child, and I know we give our best in the process.

 

10 Parent and Child Relationship Problems

Indian parents always strive to give the best to their children. They work hard to provide their children with sources and skills that their parents could not provide them. However, in this urge to be the best parents, they make many mistakes.

 

There are many flaws in Indian parenting that make their child distant and ignorant. Although parents do not deliberately do things wrong, they just find their wrong methods to be right, when they are not.

Child Relationship Problems

I have counseled many parents, and I have seen many flaws in every parenting style. There is no perfect style or parenting method to follow, but there are a few mistakes that can be avoided.

 

  • Over-Protecting your Child

There is no doubt that Indian parents are the most protective parents. Being a parent, it is natural to be concerned and caring about your child. All parents become possessive and concerned about their child. However, soon this concern changes into a loop. A loop where you are always around your child to make sure they do not do anything wrong. Helicopter parents raise very unstable and indecisive kids. When you become over-protective, you start fighting battles for your child. There’s nothing wrong with protecting them, but those battles are meant for them. If you’ll always be there to protect them, they will not learn anything in life. You basically solve their problems, make their decisions, and keep them near your eyes. However, when children grow up and move to different places for education or work, they have no idea what to do. Since you’ve been protecting them all these years, they go out and look for someone who can help them now. Over-protecting your child will make them weak. If you want your child to become independent and confident, you need to let them live their life on their terms.

 

  • Pampering and Giving-in to Tantrums

It has been a common practice in Indian parenting to pamper a child until they get spoilt. I have seen many parents who are ready to fulfill the very vague demands of their children out of love. I remember one of my friends had a 12-year-old son. We were at a party and were greeting each other. She introduced me to her son. The child seemed a bit arrogant and didn’t wish. So, I went ahead and said, “Hello Beta! How are you?” 

 

He did not respond and went away. His mother laughed and said he’s a bit shy. The child came back after a few minutes and started shouting and crying. 

 

When his mother asked what’s wrong, he said he wanted a mobile phone because everyone has one. It was insane for such a young child to demand such a thing, but his mother agreed to make him quiet. I thought it was just to avoid a scene. However, when we met next month, the child was carrying a mobile. I asked his mother, “Isn’t he too young to have his mobile?”

 

The mother very casually said, it’s not a problem, he’s our only child, and he can have what he wants. Today, parents give in to their child’s tantrums to avoid seeing them suffer. But, it spoils them, and they do not learn how to control their emotions. For a child to learn the difference between what is right and wrong, they have to decline certain luxuries.

 

  • Extra Screen Time

When we were young, we would go out to play with friends in the evening. As a child, it was the best part of the day. We would breathe in the fresh air, socialize, and learn new things every day. I guess all parents have played sports and games during their young age. Not only was it a great pass-time, but also, taught many life lessons. However, today, when I see children stick to the screen, it breaks my heart. Parents often give their children mobile phones, so they can play games and not disturb their parents. In fact, I have seen so many mothers who would switch on the TV while feeding their children. Parents need to understand that these screens are burning very crucial playful years of their children. It is also the prime reason why most children have poor eyesight from a very young age. Today, times are tough due to the pandemic, however, many things can be done to replace screens. You can do art and craft together, play board games, dance together, or just sit on the terrace. Such small activities will make your child healthy, both physically and mentally. It will also form a strong parent and child relationship. 

 

  • Stop Comparing Your Children

“ Sharma Ji ka beta came first in class!”

How many times have you heard your parents saying this? I think every Indian parent has this habit of comparing their child’s success to someone else. They are hardly concerned about the efforts that the child has put in, but more concerned about not winning the competition. I believe it is the biggest flaw of Indian parenting. The habit of always comparing and demotivating their child has created a very ill feeling in every child’s mind. I remember once my daughter came home after getting her results. She came and started telling me the marks of other children, and then told her marks. I asked her what I do with the marks of her friends? I immediately asked her if she gave her best or if she thinks there is scope for improvement. She said she was satisfied with her marks because she had prepared this much only.

Comparing Your Children

However, she promised to put more effort next time and improve her result. You see, it is this simple to understand and appreciate your child’s performance without bringing other kids into the scene. Every child has some strengths and weaknesses. As a parent, if you’re able to find your child’s strength, then nourish the strength without reminding them of their weaknesses. Your child might be great in English, but not good in Maths. However, the Maths topper might struggle with English. There is no point in comparing children.

 

  • Insulting Children Publically

I have seen many parents who feel proud of scolding and insulting their children in public. Yes, many parents think that embarrassing their child in front of others will not make him repeat his mistake. Let me ask you, how do you feel when your boss insults you in front of all employees? Do you feel motivated or insulted?

 

When your child does something wrong, ask them to stop politely in public. You can go home and talk to them about how you felt about their actions outside. However, if you’ll insult a child in public, one of the two things will happen. Either you’ll break his confidence, and he won’t be able to attend social gatherings with fear, or you’ll make your child hateful and vengeful towards you. Your child will never learn a lesson from public embarrassment. You should talk to them personally to avoid making them hate you. I have seen many children filled with inferiority complexes because of such harsh behavior of their parents. Such children seek their parent’s approval even before answering a basic question. 

 

  • Teaching them to win

The movie, ‘Chhichhore’ beautifully portrayed how Indian parents always teach their children to win. From a very young age, a child is motivated to come first in studies, sports, or extra-curricular activities. Hardly any parent says, ‘Just give your best and enjoy.’ All parents say, ‘ Prepare hard and win the competition.’

 

Well, there’s no harm in winning or motivating your child to be the best, but what if they don’t win? Most parents throughout their lives teach their children to win, and never lose. But is it possible for someone to always win in life? No, it isn’t! 

No matter how hard you try, you can never always win. However, when you teach your children that their only target should be to win, they do not know what to do when they lose. They feel they have failed and their life has no purpose. They do not understand how to tackle failure and take some critical steps. Failure is inevitable, and you need to teach your child to learn how to feel and manage the emotion of pain. I always ask parents to let their child whatever they want and however they want. If they win, they win will be theirs, and if they lose, the loss will be theirs. In both cases, they’ll deal with their emotions and grow. In the urge to win, children forget to enjoy the journey. Motivate your child to win, but also teach them to be comfortable with failure.

 

  • Lack of Communication

Indian parents are far off from their children in terms of communication. As I had discussed earlier, most parenting problems arise because of the communication gap between parents and children. Most parents create an atmosphere where children are not allowed to openly talk about their feelings and emotions. Being a counselor, many parents and children come to me for coaching. Most children say that they are unable to express themselves to their parents. What happens is that a generation gap is created between the child and the parent. It gets really difficult to break this barrier. This gap keeps on increasing with time. When children become adults, they do not find the necessity of overcoming this gap. When they feel unheard in their home, they start finding someone outside with whom they can talk openly. If Indian parents could create an atmosphere of open communication, then most of the parent-child relationship problems will vanish. 

 

  • Parents Never Apologize

I think it is not only about parents but for everyone. People today are never ready to either accept or apologize for their mistakes. People would rather put fake blame on someone else than accept that they did something wrong. However, it is one factor of wrong parenting that has made us the way we are today. You see, our parents never apologized to us even when they were wrong. They would commit a mistake but cover it up with something else. It made us feel that parents are older and they don’t have to feel sorry. So, when we became parents we did the same with our children. We thought as parents we are not supposed to say sorry, and we are continuing this tradition. However, it is high time that we accept our mistakes and say sorry despite being a parent or older than children. A mistake is a mistake, and it needs an apology. If parents accept their mistake, they do not become small but earn even more respect for their children.  

 

  • Taking Decisions for Their Children

As I said, Indian parents are quite keen on making decisions for their children. It starts with taking minor decisions to make even life-changing decisions for their children. If we see in other countries, parents let their children be independent when it comes to life and decision making. However, Indian parents never feel their child is old enough or ready to make his or her own life decisions. Some parents interfere so much in their children’s lives that their children start feeling suffocated. I have counseled many children with mental health problems because their parents forced them to take engineering. I have seen so many marriages break because children married only because of parental pressure. Sometimes, even unknowingly parents make decisions for their children claiming it to be best for them. However, not all decisions taken by parents are always right. Indian parents need to trust their child and parenting. They should know they have raised a child who is capable of shaping his or her own life.

 

  • Do Not Try to understand their child

Being a life coach, I have counseled many parents and children. There’s nothing new in seeing parents say that their children do not understand them. It is also not new to see children complain that their parents do not understand them. Well, most of the time, parents think of themselves as superior. Since they are older, they often think they’re more experienced and acknowledged. It is why they hardly try to put the effort into understanding their child’s point of view. Whenever a problem arises, a child prefers to hide things from their parents. It is because they think that their parents won’t understand them. I always tell children how their parents are their biggest well-wishers, and they need to trust them. But, I also tell parents to form a bond where a child comes first to you with their problems instead of hiding them from you. 

 

Final Thoughts

 

No parent is perfect, and no course makes you better than other parents. The only thing that matters in parenting is how well you understand your child and how safe they feel around you. Parenting never ends, and so it is never too late to improve mistakes. If you’ve been following any of these parenting problems, check them and change them to ensure a healthy parent and child relationship.

When it comes to parenting, I feel Indian parents are the most responsible parents. They take care of their child […]

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