communication style between parents and children in malaysia

The style of communicating between parents and child has obviously changed over the years. During the olden days, the only way parents and child communicated was by talking face to face but this has not been the absolute choice for most children today. The obvious reason to this is I would say technology.

Just the invention of various type of technology such as computer, game boy and handphone has seemed to attract the younger generation towards it and would some what make them ‘cool’ among their peers if they own one of those. Hence, it has distanced the relationship between parents and children these days. Moreover, parents whom are much focused and often busy because of work did not spend much time with their child and as a result to that, the child feels lonely and would turn to other source to entertain themselves. Parents who feel guilty for not spending much time with children thought money could solve anything and therefore will buy anything their child wish for (if money allows J )

Having a computer stuck right in front of the child is like a gateway to entertainment for they could meet new friends and have access to all kind of entertainment: music, videos, movies, chatting with friends, blogs, games and many more. They would not feel bored and start to enjoy the company of online friends, eventhough they do not know or have not met the person.

In Malaysia, we mostly have a hectic schedule since we started primary school (age of 7). We do not go out with friends as often because public transports are inconvenient and is dangerous for a young child to go out alone (there are many kidnappers and snatch thiefs). Therefore we are spent most of the time at home. Time spent on computers has increased and many kids start to neglect the time with family. An example would be family time together, watching tv and share stories on what happened that day. After dinner, they would probably disappear to the screens of the computer chatting with their friends. Parents find it really hard to communicate with their child as they can not confiscate the computer from them. Computer is part of our education in the future.

Because of all this, the gap between parents and children start to grow further apart. They spend less time together and as a result to that, the relationship lack of understanding. Therefore, arguments start to occur which slowly destroy the relationship in between them.

posted by: cyndi