The prevailing high level of moral decadence that has become rampant in the society has been traced to poor parenting and lack of intimate relationships between parents and their children, especially the mothers.
Parents in the professions tend to be more concerned about their careers and pay little attention to their wards, experts at the Annual Symposium of The Professionals, an organ of Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women) Organisation revealed.
The symposium, with the theme, “Parenting: My Child and I “, was held on Sunday, July 21 at the Lagos State House of Assembly Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.
Alhaja Sherifah Yusuf-Ajibade, a Guest Lecturer and Member, Council of Trustees, International Muslim Women’s Union (IWMU), stated that the parenting role is the responsibility of both parents, but the mothers of today, who should teach their children and also express love to them, are more concerned but get carried away with their careers.
While speaking on the topic: Parenting Roles: Whose Responsibility?, Alhaja Ajibade said, “the role and responsibility is a huge task and the mother is more concerned. You need to get close to your children and see them during their adolescent years as your colleagues in order to curb the societal menace.
“Avoid being over-authoritative on them. Love your children and express the love to them and don’t be hard and too strict. We are simply meant to be their models. You do what you want your child to do. Once they see you doing that, they need not be told to do same. Remember, society is the reflection of what mothers are at home.
“As professionals that most of us are, parenting by proxy shouldn’t be an option. No success can be attained except by Allah. Let’s be sincere and use our money to sponsor orphans and the less privileged as a source of Sodaqah and also to sanctify our society”, she added.
As regards meeting up with the responsibilities of parenting, the CEO, Neo-Neurons Concept and Senior Partner, Brainy Educare Service, Dr. AbdulFattah Olajobi said the first responsibility is to marry the right spouse as this goes a long way in determining what type of children would be produced.
“Make a good choice of spouse. Choose the best fathers and mothers for your kids. Don’t just go with anybody but the best for your kids. That’s the first love and role you have to play. Though both parents are responsible, the mothers are more concerned.
“Avoid separation among your children in all matters. Love them all. Keep close tabs on both genders. Don’t see one gender as more delicate or requiring less attention. Both need serious and adequate attention. As fathers, you tell your daughters you love them so that when they are told same by others, they won’t be carried away by such sweet words.
“Guide them to be emotionally intelligent and help them build their leadership skills. These would go a long way in their lives. Let them also volunteer to do tasks in order to build themselves.
“Family discussion is key. Do that regularly with your children and relate well with them with wisdom and patience. Also, teach them to have a good savings culture and pay attention to their requests, pleas and issues”, he said.
Welcoming guests at the event, the Coordinator of The Professionals, Hajia Jelilah AbdulHamid said that the event is directed at suggesting solutions to the evils in the society caused by poor and uninformed parenting with regarda to roles and responsibilities, which calls for utmost attention in addressing the menace.
