5 Stone Age parenting practices you can use too

In his book ‘The World Until Yesterday’, evolutionary biologist Jared Diamond devoted an entire chapter to parenting in the Stone Age. This is based on his research on human evolution, personal observations obtained while doing field work in New Guinea, and a study by ethnographers who have observed tribes living in remote places in extreme weather conditions. From early childhood to becoming young adults, here are 5 tips summarised from the Stone Age parents, that you might use in the current times too. 

Stone Age parents enforced bedtime, maybe you can too  
Stone Age parents enforced bedtime since infancy. Most tribes still do the same. It may be tough for you to ask your kid to switch off all devices, turn off the light, and fall asleep at 11 pm, but once you start it, they will get used to it. After a few nights of adjusting to the schedule, kids will notice that regular sleeping hours are better for health and concentration. Like their Stone Age counterparts, they will follow the sleeping regimen you set them.  

Let your child watch and appreciate how much you work  
We often feel exasperated because kids simply do not seem to understand the effort we are putting in for them. But are they even aware of it? Stone Age parents did not have prams or strollers. They carried their babies on their hips, backs or shoulder. Many tribes still carry infants in slings or tied like a backpack. That way, the infant grows to be a child who has literally seen the world from the parent’s height and perspective. They have observed the work their parents did, and also appreciated the effort and care they got. So, think twice before shooing away your child from the kitchen or not allowing your teen to see you at work on the laptop. Instead of lecturing kids about what you have done for them, let them see it for themselves. Not only will they respect you more, but want to follow in your footsteps.  

Teach kids to be responsible for their actions  
Physical punishment, unlike what we think, was taboo in Stone Age society, and still is, with many ancient tribes. Kids are human, and they have the same right as adults. Stone Age parents told them the rules, instructed them, but did not rush to stop them if kids disobeyed. As a result, a child who touched fire, never forgot the lesson. While we cannot take massive risks like that, perhaps it’s better if you tell kids the reason for not doing something, and then leave them alone. If they still delete a game in trying to tinker with the controls, it’s their responsibility.   

Allow teachers, coaches and grandparents to mentor your kid  
All parents worked at home and outdoors in Stone Age society. Kids grew up with peer group, being looked after, and trained at chores by adults who had time or expertise. This community parenting made them emotionally resilient, taught them to bond better, and communicate effectively. Allow teachers, sports coaches, music teachers and even grandparents to mentor your child. They will benefit from the multiple adult perspective, and develop interpersonal skills.  

Encourage kids to interact across age groups  
Stone Age parents had no chance or inclination to choose friends for their children. So, they played with kids from diverse backgrounds and age groups. Exposure to a mixed age group in the playground made these children healthy, kind, open-minded and also careful. In a classroom, our kids are exposed only to peer group. Allow them to play with younger and older kids, participate in sports and competitions, and interact with other children from various age groups. Your child will benefit from it, just like their Stone Age peers.