The Postmodern Era and Child Rearing

Introduction:

“Postmodernism” is a term that refers to a historical and intellectual period that follows modernism, characterized by cultural pluralism, skepticism towards grand narratives, the acceleration of change, and the influence of technology on all aspects of life.
This profound societal shift significantly impacts child-rearing and presents new challenges for parents and educators, as our era is unlike any that has come before.

The most prominent features of the postmodern era in terms of its impact on child-rearing include:

1. Cultural Pluralism: Children live in a multicultural world, exposing them to a variety of ideas and values. While this diversity enriches their experience, it also presents challenges in shaping the child’s identity and core values.
2. Technology: Technology has become an integral part of children’s lives, offering them opportunities for learning and communication, but also raising concerns about addiction and cyber violence.
3. Speed and Constant Change: Social values and standards are changing rapidly, making it difficult for children to form a stable understanding of the world.
4. Relativity and Knowledge: There is a growing skepticism towards absolute truth and fixed knowledge, which complicates the process of building a stable value system for children.

Syria and the Question of Modernist Standing:

The question of what phase Syria is currently going through is a complex one, requiring an in-depth analysis of the social, political, and cultural intricacies the country is experiencing.

To simplify, we can say that Syria is in a state of overlap between modernity and postmodernity.

As for modernity: its effects are still evident in Syria, such as the pursuit of modernization and development, and the adoption of some modern concepts in education and politics.

As for postmodernity: Syria simultaneously exhibits many characteristics of the postmodern era, such as cultural pluralism, skepticism toward grand narratives, the acceleration of change, and the impact of technology.

Reasons for this Overlap:

1. War and Displacement: The Syrian war has led to the destruction of infrastructure and the displacement of millions, causing setbacks in many areas. However, this crisis has also spurred the emergence of new forms of social organization and solidarity.
2. External Influences: Syria is significantly affected by global developments, such as globalization and information technology, which contribute to accelerating the pace of change.
3. Cultural Diversity: Syria is characterized by a great cultural diversity, creating a nurturing environment for pluralism and difference.

Is this situation forced or self-imposed?

This is a difficult question to answer, as the reality is a mix of both:

1. The modernist overlap in Syria is forced on one hand, as war, displacement, and political conflicts have imposed a new reality on Syrians, compelling them to adapt to difficult circumstances.
2. At the same time, it is voluntary, as Syrians have responded to these challenges in innovative ways, reflecting their ability to adapt and change.

Understanding the phase Syria is going through helps us to:

1. Analyze the underlying causes of the problems it faces.
2. Develop more effective strategies to address these issues.
3. Seek sustainable solutions to build a better future for Syria.

It can be said that Syria is living in a complex transitional state, where the characteristics of modernity and post-modernity intertwine. This situation poses significant challenges, but it also opens new horizons for innovation and change.

Raising Children in the Post-Modern Era (Challenges and Opportunities):
Raising children in our current era, characterized by rapid change and advanced technology, poses a significant challenge for parents. This leads many parents to wonder how we can raise our children to be good and balanced citizens in a post-modern world.

Challenges We Face:

1. Technology: The proliferation of smart devices and social media applications makes it difficult to regulate children’s screen time and redirect their attention toward other activities.
2. Cultural Pluralism: Exposure to different cultures through the internet and media can impact their identity and values.
3. Speed and Constant Change: Children find it challenging to adapt to the rapid changes in the world around them.
4. Loss of Identity: Children may feel a sense of identity loss due to cultural pluralism and external influences.

Additional Challenges Facing Education in Syria:

1. Resource Shortages: The educational system in Syria suffers from a lack of material and human resources.
2. Displacement and Refugee Crisis: The conflict has led to the displacement and uprooting of millions, negatively impacting the stability of children’s lives.
3. Spread of Extremist Ideas: The proliferation of extremist ideas also poses a threat to children’s upbringing.

Regarding how to address these challenges, we see that it depends on several determinants:

1. Open communication:
   • A. Daily ongoing dialogue to talk with children about their day, feelings, and thoughts.
   • B. Active listening to children with attention, without interrupting, and appreciating their opinions.
   • C. Asking questions and encouraging them to think critically through open-ended questions.
2. Reducing technology use:
   • A. Establishing rules and specific times for using electronic devices.
   • B. Providing alternative activities and encouraging children to engage in physical activities and other hobbies.
   • C. Setting an example by using technology responsibly.
3. Building identity:
   • A. Recognizing roots and introducing children to their family history and community culture.
   • B. Shared values and instilling moral and human values in them.
   • C. Cultural diversity by exposing them to different cultures and respecting their differences.
4. Continuous learning:
   • A. Homeschooling by encouraging them to read and engage in self-learning.
   • B. Courses, activities, and workshops that develop their skills and abilities.
   • C. Sparking their curiosity about the world around them.
5. Collaboration with the school:
   • A. Continuous communication with teachers.
   • B. Participation in school activities.

Raising children is a long process that requires patience and dedication. Therefore, it is essential to adapt to the changes in children’s behaviors and needs, while recognizing each child’s unique personality and encouraging their development. Additionally, attention should be given to mental and physical health, as this directly affects the relationship between parents, educators, and the child. It is important to note that every child is unique and requires a tailored approach.

Positives:
The postmodern era, despite all the challenges it presents, also carries some positives that can benefit child-rearing. Some of these positives include:

1. Diversity and Openness: The postmodern era encourages cultural and intellectual diversity, exposing children to different opinions and ideas. This diversity contributes to broadening their horizons and increasing their ability to deal with differences.
2. Critical Thinking: This era encourages questioning preconceived notions and seeking the truth, which develops children’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
3. Creativity and Innovation: The postmodern environment provides greater space for creativity and innovation, allowing children to develop their creative skills and express themselves freely.
4. Focus on the Self: The postmodern era emphasizes self-development and self-awareness, helping children to better understand themselves and appreciate their abilities.
5. Communication and Interaction: With the rise of social media, children become more capable of communicating and interacting with others from different cultures, enhancing their social skills.
6. Lifelong Learning: This era encourages continuous learning throughout life, making children more prepared to face future challenges.

However, it should be noted that these positives come with significant challenges, in addition to what has been previously mentioned, such as:

1. Loss of Identity: It may be difficult for children to define their identity amidst significant cultural diversity.
2. Technology Addiction: Excessive use of technology can lead to health and psychological problems in children.
3. Lack of Shared Values: Families may find it challenging to maintain shared values in the context of cultural pluralism.

To benefit from the positives of the postmodern era and avoid its negatives, parents must balance tradition and modernity, as well as preserving values and traditions while embracing the new and contemporary.

In summary, the postmodern era can offer significant opportunities for children’s growth and development, provided it is approached with wisdom and balance.

Negatives:
Although the postmodern era encompasses many positives, it also presents significant negatives for children’s upbringing. Some of the prominent negatives include:

1. Ambiguity and Uncertainty: The postmodern era is characterized by a state of ambiguity and uncertainty regarding values and principles, making it difficult for children to build a stable identity and shared values.
2. Excessive Pluralism: The vast cultural diversity can lead to challenges in defining a child’s cultural identity, resulting in feelings of loss and confusion.
3. Negative Impact of Technology: Excessive use of technology can lead to addiction, reduced attention span, social isolation, and exposure to inappropriate content.
4. Moral Relativism: Questioning absolute values may lead children to develop relative values, making it challenging for them to make correct decisions.
5. Loss of Landmarks: Children may feel a loss of fixed landmarks in life, leading to feelings of insecurity and anxiety.
6. Difficulty Building Deep Relationships: Being preoccupied with technology and individual interests may hinder the ability to establish deep and stable relationships with others.
7. Psychological Pressures: Children face significant psychological pressures due to high expectations, intense competition, and exposure to cyberbullying.

The postmodern era presents challenges and drawbacks for raising children, but it also offers great opportunities. By being aware of these negatives and taking appropriate actions, parents can help their children grow and develop in this complex world.

Conclusion:

Raising children in Syria is currently a significant challenge given the difficult circumstances the country is facing. However, parents, teachers, and educators can play a vital role in providing a supportive environment for children that helps them grow and develop healthily. Therefore, at the Family Affairs Office of the Syrian Future Movement (SFM), we recommend the following:

1. Building a Safe and Stable Environment Through:
   • Protection from Psychological Trauma: Minimizing exposure to trauma as much as possible and providing a safe and stable environment for children.
   • Regular Communication: Establishing continuous communication between parents and their children and listening to their concerns and worries.
   • Daily Routines: Maintaining a consistent daily routine to give children a sense of security and stability.

1. Enhancing Mental Health Through:
   • Emotional Support: Providing emotional support to children and encouraging them to express their feelings.
   • Recreational Activities: Encouraging children to engage in recreational activities that help them relax and express themselves.
   • Professional Help: Seeking specialists if parents notice any signs of psychological distress in their children.

1. Developing Life Skills Through:
   • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Teaching children the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving.
   • Cooperation and Communication: Educating children about the significance of cooperation and communication with others.
   • Self-Reliance: Encouraging children to be self-reliant and make their own decisions.

1. Dealing with Technology:
   • Setting Time Limits: Establishing specific times for using electronic devices.
   • Monitoring Content: Keeping an eye on the content children are exposed to online.
   • Real-World Interaction: Encouraging children to engage with the real world instead of the virtual one.

1. Maintaining Cultural Identity Through:
   • Heritage Education: Teaching children about their heritage and cultural history.
   • Celebrating Occasions: Celebrating religious, national, and cultural events.
   • Language Preservation: Maintaining the native language and encouraging children to learn it.

1. Adapting to Changes:
   • Teaching Adaptability: Teaching children how to adapt to changes and difficult circumstances.
   • Instilling Hope and Optimism: Fostering hope and optimism within children.

As for the Role of Society:

We recommend that schools and universities play an active role in educating the upcoming generations. Non-governmental organizations can provide psychological and social support to children and families, and we emphasize the role of the media in positively raising awareness about the importance of proper upbringing.

Child-rearing in Syria is a national duty and requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders. By providing a safe and supportive environment and developing life skills in children, we can contribute to building a new generation capable of rebuilding Syria.

Lastly, these recommendations are merely suggestions, and the needs may vary from child to child and from family to family. However, we have attempted to compile insights based on the findings of specialists in family and education issues, hoping to contribute to protecting our children from the negatives of our current era and benefiting from its positives to create opportunities that enable us to rebuild our devastated country, thus painting a safe, free, and dignified future for the next generation.

Family Affairs Office
Research Team of the Family Affairs Office
Scientific Office
Research and Studies Department
Studies
Syrian Future Movement (SFM)