Dear Parents,
The recent incidents of children taking their lives due to various pressures are a harsh reminder of the importance of our role.
We must be confidants, support systems, and guides for our children. As parents, it’s crucial to play a vital role in their lives, where they can open up and discuss issues affecting them.
We’ve seen heartbreaking cases of teenage suicide in Nigeria, examples are Wisdom Hashimu, a 13-year-old falsely accused of stealing N10,000 from a neighbour and brutally beaten, Nicknes Ayo, a 14-year-old pressured to name her impregnator, Ojibe Chibueze, a 17-year-old alleged of stealing N100,000 from his boss, Desola Adeoye, a 14-year-old subjected to domestic violence in the hands of father and step mother.
The recent case of Opesusi Faith Timilehin, a 19-year-old struggling with UTME results.
As a social worker, I’ve seen the impact of parental support on children’s well-being. Let’s work together to create a nurturing environment for our kids.
To support our children, let’s be attentive to changes in behaviour, mood swings, or unusual signs. Let’s encourage open communication, listen actively with empathy, and avoid comparisons or harsh words.
Instead, let’s talk to our children as friends, teaching them that failure is part of success and that everything has its season.
By prioritising their emotional well-being and creating a nurturing environment, we can help them develop resilience, build confidence, and navigate life’s challenges.
By being supportive parents, we can build stronger, more loving relationships with our children, help them develop resilience and confidence, and navigate life’s challenges together.
This will create a more harmonious family and contribute to a better society. Our role in shaping their perspectives and helping them grow into capable and confident individuals is crucial.
The Bible reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Let’s strive to guide our children with love, patience, and understanding.
Ask yourself: Am I a supportive parent? If your answer is NO, it’s not too late to make amends. By doing so, you can build a stronger, more loving relationship with your child. Together, let’s work on building stronger relationships with our children.
Charity begins at home, and for our children, that means providing love, support, and understanding. Let’s prioritise their well-being and create a nurturing environment that fosters growth and confidence.
Sincerely,
Florence Ubajekwe (SW), Social Worker, Radio Presenter
Let’s make a positive impact on our children’s lives! Share this message with fellow parents, and let’s work together to create a supportive environment for our kids.
