PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/DEHRADUN
Changing lifestyles, growing screen exposure and evolving parenting practices are making children more demanding and less willing to accept refusal, according to parents and experts in Dehradun.
Neuropsychologist Dr Sona Kaushal Gupta said that many children today are becoming used to getting quick results, making it harder for them to deal when their wishes are denied. “Many parents are working and often struggle to spend as much time with their children as they would like. This can sometimes lead to feelings of guilt and parents may try to compensate by fulfilling demands more readily. Over time, children may begin to expect that again will get them what they want,” she said.
Gupta said that setting boundaries remains important. “Children need to understand that not every demand can be fulfilled immediately. Parents should be comfortable saying ‘no’ when necessary and explaining the reasons behind their decisions,” she said. She also pointed to the role of smartphones and social media in shaping children’s behaviour. “Continuous scrolling and digital stimulation keep the brain engaged all the time. This can make some children more restless, irritable or frustrated when things do not happen according to their expectations,” she said.
Gupta added that social media encourages comparison and can create unrealistic expectations among children. “When children constantly compare themselves with others, they may feel dissatisfied or believe they are missing out. This can contribute to frustration and unrealistic expectations,” she said.
She further stressed the importance of teaching children to handle disappointment. “Learning to handle disappointment is an essential life skill. Emotional regulation and resilience should be nurtured both at home and in schools,” she added.
Parents said that they have also noticed a change in children’s behaviour. Aakrati Kannojia said that children today are more vocal about their demands and less likely to accept refusal. “If children want something, they keep insisting until they get an answer they like. Sometimes they stop talking to family members or refuse to eat when their demands are not met,” she said. Kannojia said that children today are also more confident in questioning their parents. “We were afraid of our parents. Even a stern look was enough for us to understand that we had crossed a line. Children today are much more confident and often argue their point immediately,” she said.
Another parent Asha Devi said that social media has raised children’s expectations. “Children see influencers, celebrities and even their friends posting about new gadgets, hobbies or experiences. Naturally, they want the same things,” she said. She added that parents should maintain clear financial boundaries and explain limitations honestly.
