iParent by Neha J Hiranandani is a meticulously crafted manual designed to assist parents in navigating their children’s online activities effectively.
In an unexpected twist, a memorable scene from the initial season of the espionage series Mr and Mrs Smith serves as a peculiar source of parenting wisdom. The protagonist, Jane Smith, intervenes in a father-son interaction at a bar where the son’s absorption in a video game hinders their connection. Jane, with a hidden agenda, takes the father’s phone, downloads the game, and returns it, sparking a shift in dynamics.
The conventional advice of transitioning from a parental role to a more friendly stance as children mature is often touted. However, the practicality of fostering a friendship with a teenager remains elusive. Merely discarding rules to embody a ‘cool mom’ akin to Mean Girls proves ineffective. True camaraderie is cultivated through shared laughter over school anecdotes, exchanging amusing digital content, or engaging in mutual video game sessions.
Neha J Hiranandani, the mastermind behind iParent: Embracing Parenting in the Digital Age, acknowledges this challenge. Her guide advocates for parents to embrace the digital realm their children inhabit, emphasizing the advantages technology offers in connecting globally, discussing crucial topics like body positivity and gender neutrality, and exploring uncharted territories alongside their children.
Hiranandani’s approach transcends mere surveillance on platforms like Discord or Roblox. By immersing herself in the Metaverse game Meta Quest 2, reflecting on the allure of Instagram validation, and scrutinizing influencer culture, she delves into sensitive issues like eating disorders among adolescents, drawing from personal encounters to underscore the detrimental impact of social media on body image perceptions.
Parenting in the digital era presents a unique set of challenges, given the unfamiliar terrain of constant online presence for today’s youth. Hiranandani underscores the collective journey into uncharted territory, where digital natives shape the future landscape, urging parents to adapt and learn alongside their children in this unprecedented social experiment.
While solutions may not be readily available, resources like Hiranandani’s book shed light on pertinent issues, offering strategies such as embracing digital environments, advocating for a ‘slow tech’ approach, and establishing family guidelines for online conduct. Ultimately, effective parenting hinges on timeless principles of transparency, trust, and open communication.
In essence, iParent serves as a beacon of insight, illuminating the complexities of modern parenting in the digital age, and reinforcing the enduring pillars of nurturing and guidance amidst evolving technological landscapes.