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topic; it borders on our lifestyle and our very essence. What do you
really stand for?
Children have always been the picture of innocence; so trusting and
always absorbing every information given to them "hook, line and
sinker". That is why a child who grows up without values will follow
the same path as an adult except some miracle takes place.
Many children have been left to themselves because those that should
be watching over and guiding them are just too busy or occupied to do
so. So the new guardians the children are music, celebrities,
television (reality shows especially).
Just few days ago I found myself venting when I saw the cover of a
Tarzan story book with my seven year old son. He likes to draw so one
of his friends had loaned him the book for his artistic pleasure. But
on the cover of the book was Tarzan and a "girl" swinging on a rope...
I just didn't like the body language. Don't they do anything for kids
anymore?
The adverts on TV don't even help at all, thank God my kids have
learnt how to flip the channel.
So what can a parent do in these "trying" times because we need to
preserve the innocence of these kids and hand them the right values?
Here Some Simple Actions You Can Take Once In a while to ensure you
remain connected to your children:
1) Be ready to ask and answer questions. Besides just giving
spontaneous answers, set some time to have heart to heart discussions
with your children. The duration of this discussion will depend on how
much they are assimilating and the questions they ask. With kids one
question always leads to another!
Sometimes they are even the ones who have things to say even though
you set the meeting. What matters is that you are teaching them to
communicate and showing them that you are available.
2) Be up to date PLEASE! Don't start feeling too old or thinking you
can spend your time on other important stuff. Children always want to
be informed and if you don't have what they need they'll look
elsewhere.
So get to understand what's happening in music, fashion, social media
etc. Have a general idea of these things and if they seem to be
talking about what you don't know, do some research so you can guide
them from a position of knowledge.
3) Be Vigilant!
Not all children's programmes, cartoons or TV channels are wholesome.
My kids know the not so good channels so they rarely stay there except
they know the programme being shown.
Some particular episodes of a cartoon your child usually watches can
even cause you to raise the red flag.
I remember a particular cartoon I was watching with my children and
they were talking about the different kinds of love. Their
presentation made me feel really uncomfortable but thank God my
children had their attention diverted. After the cartoon was over I
drew their attention again to the fact that some cartoons or
programmes were for "big kids".
4) Start early to lay a value-based foundation for your children. I
started as early as when they were toddlers, presenting actions to
them that were good for them to copy. If you start early they would be
able to discern early though it is never too late to re-connect with
your kids.
Also it's important to know that all children are not the same, some
may pick what you're saying faster than the others because of their
personality...some may even resist you but don't throw in the towel!
5) Know your children's friends and interests and don't hesitate to
give objective and well informed guidance when and where necessary.
6) Deliberately give your children space so you can really get to
assess the progress of your impartation or guidance. Do you always
have to be there or say anything before they make the right move?
7) Be a parent and not just a friend. Your child needs and will always
appreciate your guidance whether he says it or not. DON'T delegate
this all important God-given responsibility.
If you have any suggestions or ideas to help parents please share.
Happy Parenting!
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