In today’s fast-paced digital world, parenting has evolved into a complex landscape where technology and family dynamics intersect in unprecedented ways. With this in mind, Orchids The International School has launched two compelling films, Digital Lullaby and Spotlight and Shadows, as part of their campaign to promote mindful parenting. These films not only highlight the challenges of excessive screen time and the emotional toll of parental conflicts on children but also serve as a catalyst for important conversations about the impact of our daily behaviors on our children’s development. In this interview with Saurav Jha, we delve into the inspiration, goals, and broader implications of these thought-provoking films.
Saurabh Jha is the VP of Marketing at K12 Technoservices with 10 years of experience across marketing and operations. He was the founder and director of a content marketing agency, 7Frames, before he started his stint with K12 Technoservices. He’s an IIM Bangalore and IIT Dhanbad graduate and has a deep passion for brand marketing and storytelling.
About the Campaign
1. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind the ‘Digital Lullaby’ and ‘Spotlight and Shadows’ films?
Ans: The inspiration for these films came from our commitment to addressing the modern challenges of parenting. We recognized the need to foster conversations around mindful parenting, particularly in the digital age and the emotional impact of conflicts between the parents on a child. By showcasing relatable scenarios, we aim to encourage parents to reflect on their behavior and relook at how they influence their child’s development.
2. What specific challenges or issues do these films aim to address in the context of mindful parenting?
Ans: Digital Lullaby’ addresses the challenge of excessive screen time and its unintended consequences on a child’s behavior and development. Meanwhile, ‘Spotlight and Shadows’ sheds light on how household conflicts can affect a child’s emotional well-being. Both films aim to promote awareness and encourage parents to adopt more mindful approaches in their parenting practices.
3. How do you hope these films will impact the audience, especially parents and educators?
Ans: Orchids The International School hopes that these films will foster significant dialogue among parents and educators, encouraging them to reflect on their roles in shaping the lives of students. By bringing these issues to the forefront in such a visually compelling way, the school aims to break the silence around topics like digital addiction and the impact of parental conflicts on children. The goal is to encourage parents and educators to reflect on their behaviors and consider how they might impact the children in their care. Our idea is to make parents feel comfortable discussing these challenges with each other, with teachers, and with their children themselves. Ultimately, Orchids hopes that these films will contribute to fostering a more nurturing environment for children to thrive.
Themes and Messages
4. In ‘Digital Lullaby’, the focus is on the unintended consequences of excessive screen time. What are some practical tips for parents to manage their child’s screen time effectively?
- Limit kids’ daily screen time to a reasonable time slot and make it a part of their routine
- Limit their own screen time as they learn what they see
- Try to push them towards reading books and other activity based habits
- Set the habit of family-time instead of TV during meals
5. ‘Spotlight and Shadows’ highlights the effects of parental conflicts on children. What strategies can parents use to resolve conflicts in a healthy manner that doesn’t negatively impact their children?
- Be responsible about the words and gestures they use in front of children
- Fights are normal and healthy but they can try to save the major fights till the kids go to bed
- Work on their communication skills to express effectively rather than shout mindlessly
6. How do these films reflect the core values and mission of Orchids The International School?
Ans: Our mission begins with their wellbeing within the campus of the school but doesn’t end there. We aim to give them a healthy and happy childhood wherever they are and as a school we decide not to close our eyes to the issues our kids can face across all spheres of life.
Campaign Impact
7. What has been the response to the films since their release? Have you noticed any significant engagement or feedback from parents and the wider community?
Some parents have argued that it is inevitable to fight in front of kids sometimes or hand them over a phone when they are at work. But most parents and even non-parents have commented and conveyed that these issues are pivotal to the development of a child and should be talked about.
8. How do you plan to continue the conversation about mindful parenting beyond Parent’s Day? Are there any follow-up initiatives or programs in place?
We cannot talk about concrete plans right now but we will always try to speak up for the little ones because they can’t yet take a stand for themselves. In the next campaign for Independence Day, we have tried to get their perspectives on the idea of freedom, which we believe is the basic right for every child.
Broader Context
9. In what ways do you think schools can support parents in practicing mindful parenting?
There could be hundreds of ways but in our school, we make sure to have open and transparent communication between parents and teachers so that we can have two-way exchange about anything relating to our children’s lives and future. Schools can conduct counseling sessions for families, release eye-opening content even if they grab some eyeballs, and build children who are vocal about their needs and problems so that they can speak up when uncomfortable as well.
10. What role do you see digital media playing in both the challenges and solutions for modern parenting?
While on one hand, new parents can stay connected to other parents through different communities, share their challenges and insights, and get information about medical issues, schooling, and other elements of childhood, on the other hand, screens can also crack the rose-colored glasses children look at the world through. So, digital media comes with its set of challenges and also offers solutions to make life easier for parenting. Every medium will have its plus and minus. It is all on us how we use them.
Personal Insights
11. Can you share any personal experiences or anecdotes that highlight the importance of mindful parenting?
I once spoke to a little girl from grade 1 and asked her an inner desire. She said, “I want to throw my parents’ phones away so that they will talk to me.” And she laughed innocently. I kept staring.
12. What advice would you give to parents who are struggling to balance their digital habits and family life?
It’s a simple thing. We all need our recreation but we need to set the right priorities. If we spend their childhood on our screens, they won’t remain tiny forever. Instead of keeping them busy on phone screens, we can choose to switch on the TV for a day or two every week and watch a movie together.
Future Plans
13. Are there any plans to create more films or campaigns addressing other aspects of parenting and child development?
Definitely. We will come up with a variety of content to make the audience think and also entertain our viewers packaged with an impactful message.
14. How do you envision the future of parenting education evolving in response to the increasing influence of technology and digital media?
Technology and digital media will have an increasing influence on our lives and that is a fact engraved on the stones. How we use them to improve our quality of parenting and use globally released information depends on us. If we know how to use our tools in the right way, we will be able to crack the sweet spot and parenting will be a beautiful and enjoyable experience.
As we navigate the evolving challenges of modern parenting, initiatives like Digital Lullaby and Spotlight and Shadows remind us of the critical role we play in shaping our children’s futures. Orchids The International School’s dedication to fostering mindful parenting extends beyond the classroom, offering valuable insights and practical advice for parents and educators alike. By sparking these essential conversations, the school continues to champion the well-being of children, encouraging us all to reflect, engage, and strive for a more nurturing and balanced environment for the next generation.
Link to watch ‘Digital Lullaby’
Link to watch ‘Spotlights and Shadows’
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