‘Childhood needs more connection, less correction’

Srinagar, Oct 5: Speakers from different walks of life on Sunday called for positive parenting to safeguard the childhood and innocence of children.

During a day-long event, ‘Amanat: Protecting Childhood’, experts emphasised that parenting should focus more on connecting with children rather than correcting them during infancy to ensure healthy emotional and social development.

The event, organised by Thinksite at the Institute of Engineers, Church Lane, Srinagar, was attended by people from various walks of life, including parents, teachers, and caregivers.

The speakers underlined the importance of strengthening bonds between parents and children rather than pushing them into isolation.

The conversation revolved around child safety, with participants stressing that parents should build relationships with their children based on understanding instead of authoritative correction.

The event served as an eye-opener for many participants, highlighting how cases related to child abuse often go unnoticed.

The discussions centred on safeguarding children’s innocence and redefining parenting as a vital life skill.

The speakers urged breaking the silence and raising awareness about positive parenting within homes.

Parents, teachers, caregivers, and community leaders spoke about the role of parenting in nurturing children while safeguarding their childhood.

Concerns were raised about emotional neglect, unsafe online exposure, physical violence, and Child Sexual Abuse (CSA).

Stress was laid on empowering parents, teachers, caregivers, and community leaders with practical tools to recognise warning signs, initiate safe conversations, and build a nurturing environment for children.

“Amanat is the beginning of a long-term community consciousness to build a culture of safety, care, and trust for every child,” said an organiser.

The speakers also expressed concern over children being pushed towards screens as parents become increasingly confined to their professional roles.

In his address, Founder Director Thinksite, a Srinagar-based educational Service platform, Dr Farooq A Wasil, highlighted the collective responsibility to raise awareness about positive parenting to ensure a safe environment for children.

“It takes a whole village to raise a child, but if the child fails, nobody takes the responsibility,” he said.

Speaking about the role of schools, Dr Wasil said that the schools should not become “cages or prisons” for children.

“Schools, families, and society must play a collective role in safeguarding childhood,” he said.

Noted academician and former Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Prof Mushtaq Sidique, reflected on how the shift from joint to nuclear families has impacted children’s growth in a positive environment.

“In the past, grandfathers would spend quality time with children. But in nuclear families, parents often don’t spend enough time with their kids. As a result, children are pushed into isolation and spend more time on screens,” he said.