Bringing up a child the right way

The world is facing many social problems today because of the improper upbringing of children in society.

Some of the problems are stealing, armed robbery, indiscipline, teenage pregnancy and general dishonesty. Others are drug addiction and threats to life and property of neighbours.

These problems did not emerge overnight but over a long period due to the neglect by parents to ensure that children are brought up to follow rules of discipline and love.

Parents and society ought to have time for children, so that their concerns can be adequately addressed from time to time.

If this is done on a regular basis, the adult members of society will help the children to grow up into responsible citizens. Irresponsible parenthood is a serious problem in society.

Some women are now parents as a result of teenage pregnancy and unpreparedness to work hard and cater for their children.

Some of the children are also left at the mercy of peer groups which may be good or bad. If a particular peer group happens to be good, it will influence a child to adopt good behaviour and become a responsible citizen.

On the other hand, if a child falls into the hand of a bad peer group, he or she will be influenced to behave in an unacceptable way. It is, therefore, necessary for parents and society to pay attention to the upbringing of a child, so that this child will be taught the right way to behave well in society.

Today, the government has introduced free education in terms of Senior High Schools as well as Technical and Vocational Schools. It is necessary for parents to complement this opportunity to ensure that children are well catered for in the house, and provided with basic needs, such as food, clothing and shelter.

If this is done, it will be difficult for any children to go wayward and follow bad company. Indiscipline in society among the youth comes about when the children are left alone to fend for themselves anyhow. If the children are well catered for, waywardness on their part can be easily prevented.

Adults should always know that it is not just enough to bring forth children when they are not ready to carry on with the responsibility of caring for them.

Childcare is an enormous task that cannot be taken for granted. It involves working hard to earn a living and also getting adequate quality time to cater for the needs of these children.

Many social problems have come about because of irresponsible parenthood, so we must all work hard to put an end to this negative practice.