…says ministry will be moving to address situation

PARENTING is not a one-sided affair that is left to mothers due to absentee fathers and the Ministry of Social Protection said it taking steps to address this trend to ensure that children receive the benefits of good parenting.This is according to Social Protection Minister, Volda Lawrence, who told the just concluded Presbyterian Church Women’s Convention that “…parenting should involve both partners…so it follows that this job of parenting is not a one-sided affair, but demands the attention and the care of both parties … The implication for man and woman, with regard to parenting , then, is that they have to be unanimous in their approach to parenting; they cannot send mixed or different messages; the values and the social behaviors that they want the child to demonstrate must be agreed on by both parents”.

The Minister cautioned parents to lead their children by example so that the child can observe and emulate appropriate social behaviours. “We know of the growing problem in our society: the absent fathers. Immediately you recognise how parenting is compromised; the single parent is busy trying to provide financially; this becomes a priority and parenting takes second place. We are witnessing the consequences of such home-situations; a society riddled with the scourge of social woes: dysfunctional families and children, teenage pregnancy, child abuse and violence, suicide among others,” she said.

The minister noted that there is a breakdown in our parenting even in some stable homesteads, where both parents are present. “The quality time we once spent with our children have disappeared; the mobile, the tablet, the I-pad have taken over and replaced the family conversations where issues were discussed and guidance and values were the focus of attention. What has become of our parenting and are we prepared to let things slip further? We cannot and this is the reason why the Ministry of Social Protection is advocating at every forum the need for us to restore our family structure and values. With this in place, we can begin to impact on our children and practice effective parenting,” Minister Lawrence said.

Delivering her presentation on the Social Aspects of Parenting at the Convention that was held under the theme, “Commitment to Christ leads to Effective Parenting”, the minister further noted that children need to know how to interact and empathise with their peers, as well as adults; they must have some notion of social etiquette and have an appreciation of what is or isn’t acceptable in society. Importantly as well, children should be taught respect for self as well as the elderly and how to operate as socially capable individuals cognisant of the discipline and the behavior that different situations warrant. “Children have a role as well as the parents; it calls for love, understanding and patience not anger and abuse…We cannot take shortcuts when we are parenting; we cannot achieve the good life with delinquent behaviors; we must accept the challenges and try to mold our children.”

Speaking directing to those women who attended the convention, she noted that parenting begins even within the womb. “From the moment of conception until birth, parenting is taking place; as you are preparing a healthy environment for baby’s growth, you are eating nutritious foods, reading the appropriate literature and nurturing that life that is in vitro. You have begun to take care of baby’s development, one of the fundamentals of parenting. Women, we have a special place in God’s heart; He has chosen us to be the sacred vessel for fulfilling this wonderful process of creation. So, ladies, let us not renege on God’s divine purpose. We have a commitment to ensure that our God-given gift is not abused. We must seriously accept our responsibility and honor our obligation.”

Through the Child Protection Agency, the Ministry has several programmes to help parents who are experiencing difficulties parenting their children, while the Probation and Social Services Department provides assistance to strengthen families and help those in trouble. Parents are urged to not only cater to children’s physical needs, but social and emotional needs as well. Children have several rights and parent must ensure that these rights are respected, such as the right to an education.

Commending the women of the Presbyterian church for the work they and the entire church have done over the years, especially for children’s development, the Minister Lawrence noted that the church’s support and guidance has made a difference in the lives of many. “Ladies, our role as parents is critical to the future well-being and the way in which our children merge into the society. One quick look at our society today and you will notice the misfits, the social ills that prevail as a result, perhaps, from a lack of appropriate sustained parenting. It is imperative, therefore, that we continuously instill these virtues; it is not a one-time effort; you will appreciate the magnitude of our task and good parenting means that our work is never done.” (Ministry of Social Protection)