We’ve got to hand it to Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran for raising an issue we sort of take for granted. It is the issue of parenting, which some people disregard.
And that’s because they have sort of fallen back on an easy way out, allowing other means of parenting to take hold. That raises the need for action.
Active parenting, the minister says, is key to keeping children safe from social ills such as drug addiction and alcohol abuse.
Opening the Na Salavou Alcohol and Other Drugs Recovery Centre for Boys in Lautoka last week, Ms Kiran said why children were falling into addiction must be addressed.
This is where having the right conversations matters. And that should be to keep children safe.
She asked whether children knew they were loved at home, warning that others involved in the drug trade could step in and make them feel valued.
She questioned why children were on the streets. Why, she asked, were their families not taking care of them?
Ms Kiran said her interactions with children on the streets revealed a common theme. Many felt unloved at home or disconnected from their families. Even when counselling encouraged some children to return home, she said, they often ended up back on the streets because that was where they felt loved and cared for.
How sad that they can find belonging in the face of the dangers of drugs, HIV and abuse, but not at home?
This is why we as parents and guardians must pull out all stops and get down to the business of parenting.
This is where we need to be involved. It must be about getting children to appreciate they have parents and guardians who care for them. There are people who love them and would do anything to keep them safe!
But that means taking ownership of the role of parents and guardians. It means taking time out to monitor children, provide guidance, and mentoring. It means empowering children to realise their potential and providing a base for growth.
It means providing the basic necessities and the means for positive growth.
It means empowering children to develop into responsible adults and being there for them when they need assistance.
It means doing the little things that matter, including listening and providing reassurance.
Ultimately, parenting begins at home, with attention, love, discipline, guidance and time. Active parenting is about protecting children from harm and giving them a reason to choose a better path. That is a responsibility we all need to take seriously. Now hear this. For those who are doing it, perhaps it is time to reconsider the mobile phone parenting!
