Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has said that it is the responsibility of all adults, including parents, to understand the mood of children and maintain good communication with them. She also emphasized that understanding and open dialogue between both parties is necessary to bridge the gap between children and adults.
She mentioned this while addressing the Children’s Day function organized by the Prime Minister’s Office Welfare Association on October 11 at Alari House.
The Prime Minister said that adults should do everything they can to make the future of children better and pointed out that bridging the generation gap between them and adults is an important challenge in today’s society.
The environment in which children grow up, their way of thinking and their use of technology are different from previous generations. Thus it is necessary to understand the views of the children and build a close relationship with them.
Why is it important to understand children’s moods?
The Prime Minister said that adults should learn to think according to their age, experience and mindset in order to build a good relationship with children. Listening patiently to children and respecting their feelings are important aspects of strengthening this relationship.
In many families, parents are more concerned about their children’s education, morals and future. However, there may not be enough opportunities to listen to children’s views and spend time with them. This may make children reluctant to openly share their problems with their parents.
Continuous dialogue with children is essential to understand the difficulties they face. When they talk about problems at school, relationships with friends, academic load, and personal concerns, adults should listen carefully without immediately placing blame.
Likewise, shaming children or comparing them to others when they make mistakes does not solve the problem. It is helpful to understand the mistakes and guide them to make the right decisions.
The Prime Minister pointed out that today’s children may be more knowledgeable and experienced in using technology. Therefore, adults should be prepared to understand their experiences and opinions related to technology. At the same time, it’s important to guide children about internet safety and responsible technology use.
Family and society must work together to bridge the generation gap
Bridging the gap between children and adults is not only the responsibility of parents. Teachers, school administrators and everyone involved with children in the community have a role to play.
It is important to create an environment where children can express their opinions without fear. Patiently answering their questions at home and at school and not ignoring the problems they face will lead to good communication.
Events like Children’s Day are opportunities to create awareness in society about children’s rights, welfare and future. Such events should not only involve giving gifts to children but also help them understand their needs and expectations.
Prime Minister’s Secretary Pradeep Saputandri, Welfare Association President and Senior Assistant Secretary Vatsala Athikala, Prime Minister’s Office officials, association members and children participated in this Children’s Day function organized by Prime Minister’s Office Welfare Association.
The important point of this message is that adults need to make changes in their approach to understand children. Practices such as listening carefully when children talk, respecting their feelings, and building confidence in sharing problems can help improve family relationships.
Strengthening communication with children is not a one-day event. It is a responsibility to be followed in daily life. When adults try to understand the world of children, they can bridge the generation gap and build trusting relationships.