Page 59 - Inner.cdr

timely medical attention or neglecting V Celebrate Diversity: embrace and appreciate
vaccinations and proper nutrition. This can lead the diversity of Nigeria’s cultures, religions and
to more illnesses and malnutrition among ethnicities. Teach children to value inclusivity
children and sadly, when these children are and reject discrimination (Tsabary76-80).
desperate for relief, they may turn to substances
that can lead to addiction. It is a concerning VI Parenting Support programmes: Government
issue among our youth, who are meant to be the should establish and expand programs that
leaders of tomorrow. provide support and guidance to parents. This
can include parenting classes, counselling
2. Limited Access to Quality Education: Parents services, and mentorship programs to help
have a responsibility to ensure their children parents develop their skills and overcome
have access to quality education, however, in challenges.
Nigeria, many children face barriers such as lack
of resources, inadequate infrastructure and VIII Collaboration and Coordination: Foster
limited learning opportunities. This perpetuates collaboration among government agencies,
the cycle of poverty and hampers the country’s NGOs, and community-based organisations to
development. address parental irresponsibility collectively. By
working together, we can leverage resources
3. Role Modelling and Prejudice: Children learn and expertise to make a greater impact (Fay and
and imitate what they see more than what they Cline 50).
read in books. Some parents unfortunately set
bad examples by engaging in corrupt activities CONCLUSION
or promoting prejudice, like discouraging their
children from marrying someone of a certain Improving Nigeria requires everyone’s
ethnicity. It is disheartening that some parents involvement, including parents. By instilling
even invent fake stories to support their biases. strong values in our children and building close
In addition, very frequently, parents influence relationships with them, we can create a brighter
their children’s relationships based on their own future for our nation.Changing Nigeria for the
conflicts or issues with friends. After all this, you better begins at home with the proper
upbringing of the children who are the future of
expect the child to be better than you are? How?
This is how suspicion and discrimination are the country. Arise, O parents! Arise, O guardians!
nurtured; perpetuating a cycle of prejudice and Do your part in contributing to a better Nigeria
misunderstanding. These are a few ways, by giving the best products to the society.
compared to the many ways in which parental
irresponsibility has contributed
to the plight of Nigeria (Fay and
Cline 45).
WAY FORWARD
I Lead by Example: Parents
should be role models and
demonstrate the values they
want to instill in their children.
Actions speak louder than words!
II Open Communication: Create a
safe and open environment
where children feel comfortable
discussing their thoughts and
feelings. Encourage dialogue
and listen actively.
III Encourage Critical Thinking: Foster WORKS CITED
independent thinking and problem-solving Fay, Charles and Cline, Foster. Parenting with Love and Logic: Teaching Children
skills. Encourage children to question, analyse Responsibility” Oxford University Press, 1990.
and form their own opinions. Kenny, Joseph. Editor, Thomas Aquinas Being and Essence (The EnteetEssentia),
1965.
Siegel, Daniel J. and Hartzell,Mary.Parenting FromThe Inside Out: How a Deeper
IV MonitorMedia Consumption: Be aware of Self-Understanding Can Help You Raise Children Who Thrive. Tarcherperigee,
2003.
what your children are exposed to in terms of Tsabary, Shefali. The Conscious Parent: Transforming Ourselves, Empowering
media and technology. Discuss and guide them Our Children” Namaste Publishing,2010.
Olatunji, Daud. Causes of crime.www. punchng.com/police-attribute-high-crime-
in making responsible choices. rate-to-bad-parenting/Assessed date: December 29th 2023, 9:55pm.