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Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
7 expert tips to become your child's safe space
Parenting is a journey of irreparable beauty and deep challenges. As soon as you are a parent, your life is changed forever — your heart is softened, your patience is deeper and your mind more attuned. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now You are no longer living for yourself; you are caring for a small soul, moulding a life and leading it with love, dedication and boundless care. Each smile, each tear, each minor achievement is a witness to the great responsibility and boundless joys of childrearing. If you are looking for ways to become your child's 'safe space' while nurturing emotional security and attachment, John Bowlby's Attachment Theory teaches that children thrive when they perceive a caregiver as a 'secure base' — someone whom they trust to return to when exploring the world. Bowlby asserted, 'When conditions were favourable an infant moves away from mother on exploratory excursions and returns to her again from time to time. This concept of secure base is crucial for understanding how an emotionally stable person develops.' How strict parenting can impact children negatively Studies show that the Circle of Security–Parenting (COS‑P) enhances caregiver sensitivity and reflective functioning, significantly strengthening attachment security. For example, one study ( Enhancing foster care relationships through attachment-based intervention: the safe families study protocol, a randomized controlled trial of the circle of security parenting program published in BMC Psychology ) found that COS‑P led to 'a significant reduction in insensitive maternal behaviours' and another documented improvements in reflective functioning among mothers. Tips to connect with your child: Here are parenting rules that build unbreakable bonds (Image: TOI) A deeper understanding of your child's inner world — termed reflective functioning — is central to becoming a consistent, emotionally supportive presence. Research paper Parent-Child Attachment: A Principle-Based Concept Analysis demonstrates that maternal sensitivity or accurately perceiving and responding to a child's signals, is strongly linked to secure attachment. It also emphasised that parents with high reflective capacity are more emotionally attuned, which supports healthier development. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In an interview with TOI, Yukta Sharma, Parenting Enthusiast and New Mom Mentor, suggested the following foundational and actionable ways to become your child's safe - Bond with your kids emotionally Through emotional bonding, your child feels most secure in their mental health. When your child feels emotionally close to you, they trust you and are comfortable sharing anything with you. Listen to your child First of all, listen to your child without interrupting. Whatever they tell you is wrong or right, hear them out completely. Don't lash out instantly—keep calm and empathetic. It is the key to being your child's best friend. Provide peaceful environment at home Every parent needs these powerful truths about raising emotionally secure kids (Image: iStock) Provide a peaceful environment at home. Peace starts with a clear mind, so be cautious about what you do in front of your children. Talk nicely and softly to your spouse in front of them, because child often learn and copy what they see. Have fun playing indoor and outdoor games together with your child Not only does physical activity help to keep their minds healthy, but it brings you closer to them, forms happy memories. Establish daily routines and rules When children know what is going on every day, they are safe and secure. Stability keeps their stress away and anxiety at bay. Encourage your child Praise your child and encourage your child occasionally. A word of appreciation or a word of praise can boost their confidence, make them feel happy, and motivate them to do even better. Do not compare your child to others Comparing them or lecturing them for grades or other accomplishments makes them feel less than others. Comparing them can make an everlasting mark by deflating their confidence because what they learn as a kid stays with them for life. These are some of the most important parenting behaviours that are also essential to the mental well-being of a child. You are a different you at every stage of your child's life hence, evolving to what you see is optimum for them. Ultimately, every parent wants to give their child the best — in feelings, love, values and learning.
Hindustan Times
08-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
‘Dark traits' like psychopathy linked to higher AI cheating among students, study finds
Is there a certain kind of person who is more likely to use AI for shortcuts in their studies? That's the question a group of South Korean researchers set out to answer, and what they found is raising eyebrows. Their study, published in BMC Psychology, looked at more than 500 art students in China and found a strong connection between heavy AI use and some of the darker sides of human personality. New research reveals a surprising connection between psychopathic traits and the tendency to misuse AI tools for academic shortcuts among college students.(Unsplash) What the study found The research team focused on students from six art universities, covering everything from painting and music to drama and dance. They measured students for traits like narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism, which together are known as the 'Dark Triad.' These are traits linked with self-interest, manipulation, and a lack of empathy. The results showed that students who scored higher on these traits were much more likely to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney to get their assignments done. Many admitted to passing off AI-generated work as their own, which is a big concern for academic honesty. But it wasn't just about personality. The same students who leaned on AI also reported feeling more anxious about their grades and said they often put off their assignments until the last minute. This mix of stress and procrastination seemed to push them towards using AI as a quick fix. The study suggests that when students are under pressure or want to avoid hard work, they are more likely to reach for technology, even if it means crossing ethical lines. Motivation and materialism The researchers also looked at what motivates students. They found that those who cared more about rewards, recognition, and material success were more likely to use AI to get ahead. It's not just about personality, but also about what drives someone. When the main goal is to win praise or score high marks, students may be tempted to take shortcuts, especially if those shortcuts are easy to access. What this means for schools The authors of the study, Jinyi Song of South Korea's Chodang University and Shuyan Liu of Baekseok University, say colleges and universities need to rethink how they design assignments and talk about AI. They suggest making tasks less vulnerable to copying or AI mimicry, teaching students about the risks and ethics of using AI, and setting clear rules about what's allowed. With these steps, schools can help students use AI in a fair and responsible way. This research adds to a growing debate about the role of AI in education. While AI can help students learn and create, it also brings new challenges, especially for those who feel pressure to perform or are motivated by external rewards. The findings show why it's important to balance technology with values like honesty and responsibility, both in the classroom and beyond.
