God bless the children we are raising these days. With these digital natives, parenting is an entirely different experience from when people like me grew up; it seems you need some extra grace to train children these days.

In our days, parents told you to do something once. If they had to say to you again, it wouldn’t be verbal. Parents, especially mothers, had a variety of non-verbal cues to correct disobedience or lack of performance. Those methods were indelible in a multitude of ways, and they jogged your memory when you were getting off the narrow track of parental instructions. You wouldn’t dare question instruction. If a parent told you to pick up a book and read in those days, for instance, you just did it, no questions asked! It didn’t matter what you saw your parent do or not do; you just did what they asked, QED!

But those days are gone forever! Ask your child to do something today, and they’ll ask you why—and why again. It can be exhausting, even frustrating!

Regardless of class, creed, or tribe, factors such as the increasing emphasis on child rights and voice, early exposure to information, and the promotion and reward of enquiry and critical thinking by educational systems make today’s child precocious and questioning in ways that sometimes test the patience of parents. You need a lot of wisdom to navigate the intricacies, mainly because they watch your every move and are confident enough to challenge you when they see you do anything seemingly at variance with what you try to make them do.

Parenting in this “Why Generation” can feel overwhelming, but it also presents a unique opportunity. These curious, questioning children are not just defiant—they are learning to think, to challenge, and to understand. Our task as parents is not to silence the questions, but to guide them toward the right answers, as firmly but subtly as possible.

One situation parents face these days is that many children view their tablets primarily as sources of recreation—playing games with friends or watching videos on YouTube. So, when they see a parent who restricts their screen time,  stay on their own tablet for hours, they perceive injustice and may take that parent as a shameless hypocrite, even shouting it out!

“How do you make your child realise that tablets and phones can be books, helping a parent study for a second degree rather than just watch Netflix or play games?” That is the question a mother asked after reading last week’s newsletter. So, what do we do in this circumstance? I have the following suggestions:

Explain in Simple Terms:

You know, we often say in communication that information gaps create a vacuum that encourages speculations—this applies to our relationships with our children as well. Let them know as clearly as possible that you are studying when you are using your tablet. Children do not have the natural ability to distrust like adults, and so, unless you have proved yourself unworthy of their trust, they will most likely take your word for it and begin to understand that tablets can be as much tools as toys. Don’t leave them guessing—explain that it is your textbook, school material, or tutorial content. They will begin to see your point.

Share the Screen:

Aside from just telling them, you may also want them to see what you are reading. You could even invite them to read alongside you occasionally. Have them swipe to turn a digital page with you so that they can see the content of your books. This will leave a lasting impression and help them realise that what you have in your hands is a working tool, not a toy. And if you use your tablet for entertainment at any time, be transparent about it. The more you do this, the more you win their trust.

Balance Digital and Paper:

Many parents were brought up with paper books and are so accustomed to them that they cannot imagine any other way of reading. Physical books are undeniably beneficial—they are tactile, provide clarity, and reduce distractions, thereby enhancing focus. Yet, maintaining a balance is essential. The world is increasingly digital, and children will inevitably engage with e-books. Therefore, they should start getting used to it. More importantly, e-books also have advantages. Digital reading offers variety, portability, and accessibility. Help children appreciate both. Parents can support this by downloading age-appropriate e-books on shared tablets and reading with their children, later ensuring their personal devices are stocked with beneficial materials while monitoring their reading habits.

Again, Model It:

Finally, we come back to the point about modelling what you want to see in your children. Show the value of recreational reading by engaging in it yourself. Don’t just study to pass examinations and gain degrees. Read fiction, non-fiction, and memoirs. Let them catch you reading for pleasure, curiosity, and growth—and share the experience with them. When children see that books are not just tools for school but companions for life, they are likely to develop a lifelong habit of reading themselves.

Ultimately, raising readers in today’s world is less about enforcing rules and more about building trust, sharing experiences, and modelling the habits we want our children to adopt. They may ask “why” a thousand times, but every “why” is a door to deeper understanding. When we patiently walk through those doors with them, we raise not just readers, but thinkers who will carry the love of learning into every stage of life.Could you share your experiences? Hit reply—I’d love to hear your thoughts.