Neglect of healthy diets expose children to lifelong health risks: Family physician
Educationists and medical experts have cautioned Nigerian parents against excessive indulgence of their children, warning that over-pampering could result in psychological, social, and health crises.
This was the central message at the Child Upbringing Seminar organised by the Lagos State chapter of Al-Mu’minaat (The Believing Women) Organisation as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations.
The seminar, which focused on the topic; “Between Parental Love and Over-Pampering of Children: Balancing the Equation,” was held at the Da’wah Centre, Ijeshatedo, Lagos.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Hajia Bashirah Rabiu, an educationist and counselor, stressed that while parental love is essential, it must be balanced with discipline. She explained that unchecked indulgence could undo the very essence of parenting.
“We need to parent with love, showing care and making sacrifices. But when love is overshadowed by over-pampering, giving children more than they need, shielding them from realities, and refusing to take tough decisions, it becomes a disaster for the child, the parents, and society at large,” Hajia Rabiu said.
She identified clear signs of over-pampering, noting that children who are constantly indulged often develop entitlement mentalities, lack resilience, struggle with self-control, and cannot face life’s challenges.
“Eventually, such children may suffer depression, become addicted to excesses, or fail to live fulfilled lives,” she warned. “They could grow into selfish adults who lack empathy, waste resources, and even contemplate suicide because they cannot cope with real-life challenges.”
Hajia Rabiu, who was the former Vice Principal (Hostel), Vanguards Academy, Ogun State, further urged parents not to abandon their responsibilities to schools, daycare centers, smartphones, or television.
“Our duty is to nurture, instruct, guide, educate, and discipline – all out of love. We must retrace our steps, set rules, avoid excesses, and raise children who can face life with resilience,” she emphasized.
Neglectof healthy diets expose children to lifelong health risks: Family physician
Adding a health perspective, Dr. Safiyyah Miftah, a consultant and family physician at Isolo General Hospital, described healthy living as an integral part of effective parenting. She explained that neglecting proper diets and lifestyles exposes children to lifelong health risks.
“A healthy diet contains essential nutrients in the right proportions. If we don’t adhere to this, we invite ailments such as obesity, malnutrition, high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes,” Dr. Miftah said.
The family physician also recommended good sleep hygiene for children and parents alike, warning against the dangers of using mobile phones or watching television in bed.
She noted that activities such as drinking coffee, exercising late at night, watching television in bed, and using mobile phones could disrupt sleep patterns.
Dr. Miftah recommended turning off lights and ensuring that the bedroom environment is comfortable (not too hot or too cold) as part of maintaining good sleep hygiene.
Children are sacred trust from Allah: Amirah Al-Mu’minaat
Earlier in her welcome address, the Amirah of Al-Mu’minaat Lagos chapter, Hajia Balqees Abdullah reminded participants – a gathering of Muslim women, that children are a sacred trust from Allah and must be raised with a sense of accountability.
“Our children are amaanah – a big trust from Allah. Raising them is a remarkable journey, and the end goal is the pleasure of Allah. To achieve this, we must provide a nurturing environment, sound education, and clear moral values,” she said.
Hajia Abdullah added that the seminar was deliberately chosen to help parents and caregivers build confident, disciplined, and compassionate children in line with Islamic and societal values.
She also called for prayers for children in conflict zones, particularly in Gaza, where many are facing bombings, starvation, and displacement.
The event featured an educative and informative film show for teens; interactive discussions and practical parenting guidance, leaving participants with renewed commitment to balance affection with discipline in raising their children.
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