PARENTING: A PATHWAY TO CREATING A NEW NIGERIAN BY ADENIYI IFEOLUWA
PARENTING:
A PATHWAY TO CREATING A NEW NIGERIAN
BY
ADENIYI IFEOLUWA
Parenting
is a calling and not just an honor. Having children is a call to raise children
who will become PILLARS of economics, finance, education and other areas in the
society. Our nation is where it is today because giving birth to children
is seen more as an honor than as a call to be responsible to shape lives. The
family is the bedrock of the society; that is, every individual in a society is
from a family. The family, as an institution on its own, is saddled with the
responsibility of taking care, nurturing and instilling values and fundamental
beliefs in children. In this age, we are faced with moral decadence, teenage
pregnancy, abortion, disobedience to authority, armed robbery, and indolence
among youths and, most importantly, corruption, which has made put society in a
pitiable state. However, it is important to note that bad parenting is the
factor that cause these. Hence, it is important for us as parents to check ourselves
and ask ourselves the big question: 'Am I performing my responsibility as a parent?'
Parenting
is a call to raise children who will be solution providers in the society.
Parenting is also sacrificing for our tomorrow which is also our children
future and the nation’s future. It goes beyond the payment of school fees and
involves being able to take care of the physical, mental, psychological, social
and spiritual needs of children.
TO BE AN EFFECTIVE PARENT,
1.
Understand that each child is unique. Hence, the parenting style to employ with
each children will be different. It is our responsibility to discover the
uniqueness of our child (ren).
2.
Encourage each child to be successful.
3. Set
a good example with your lifestyle. Children imbibe values that are seen, not
taught.
4. Have
a family time to tell those stories about yourself that will pass the values
that you want them to imbibe.
5. Be
involved in your children's (or child's) academics. Ensure that their homework
is done by them and not by you. Check their notes. Help them in preparation for
examinations and many more.
6. Use
positive words on your children. This boosts their self-esteem, confidence and
emotional health.
7. Be
approachable. Make your children comfortable around you. Let them be able to
tell you anything at any time.
8. Set
rules, regulations and values should not be changed casually for convenience
sake.
9.
Ensure discipline. Discipline is making sure the right thing is done at the
right time. Discipline is what you do for a child and not what you do to a
child. Hence, avoid harsh discipline. Furthermore, in correction, instead of
using abusive words on the child, tell the child what you want the child to do
or what the child has done wrong before disciplining.
10.
Teach each child from age 4 about the parts of his body and the parts that
should not be touched by members of the opposite sex.
In
conclusion, the concept of Parenting is very broad and daily we discover new
ways to fulfil our responsibility as parents. Notwithstanding, it is a great
opportunity to be a parent and to also be a platform for raising Godly PILLARS
who will create a better Nigeria.