Parents in Fiji are facing challenges in effective parenting, prompting experts to advocate for a more structured and supportive approach. Dr. Rajesh Maharaj, president of the Fiji College of General Practitioners (FCGP), recently emphasized the significance of adopting an authoritative parenting style during an interview with The Fiji Times’ online news portal, The Lens@177.
Dr. Maharaj’s approach involves setting clear guidelines and expectations while also providing emotional support to children. He expressed concern about the prevalent misunderstanding of corporal punishment among many Fijian parents and highlighted the urgent need for education on parenting practices. He stated, “I think we need to educate our parents more about parenting guidelines, and I am committed to this.”
In his efforts to inspire parents to cultivate a loving environment for children, Dr. Maharaj is seeking to engage more actively with media, focusing on the importance of instilling key values such as honesty, respect, and compassion in youth. These values, he explained, lay the groundwork for children to develop respect for elders and contribute positively to their communities.
Additionally, Dr. Maharaj offered practical advice for handling common parenting challenges such as tantrums and excessive screen time. He suggested that children under the age of two should not have exposure to digital devices, advocating for adherence to recommended guidelines regarding screen use. For managing tantrums, he advised identifying underlying causes, which often stem from frustration or a lack of attention and affection.
It is essential to foster a nurturing home environment, Dr. Maharaj urged, and when necessary, parents should not hesitate to seek guidance from medical professionals if children display unusual behaviors. His recommendation to engage quiet or withdrawn children in activities and outdoor play emphasizes the need for family bonding and support.
These discussions mirror broader concerns voiced by public figures, such as Sashi Kiran, Fiji’s Minister of Women, Children, and Social Protection, who has raised alarms about extreme parenting methods. Statistics from recent studies reveal that about 72% of children in Fiji have experienced some form of violence, highlighting an urgent need for effective and non-violent discipline methods.
The efforts made by experts and advocates signify a collective push toward healthier parenting practices and the creation of nurturing environments for children across Fiji. The focus on education and community engagement points to a hopeful vision for the future, where children can thrive in safe, supportive surroundings, ultimately paving the way for more positive and effective parenting approaches throughout the nation.
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