Raising today’s generation requires parenting skills

In today’s society, parenting has become even more challenging as the family structure has changed and the influences on children have become more diverse and complex. 

In the previous African context, parenting was more of a communal effort, where the whole community played a role in raising children. However, in today’s society, parents are often left to raise their children on their own. 

It’s key for parents to create a safe environment where their children, especially teenagers can express their thoughts, feelings, and opinions without fear of judgment or criticism. This can help them to learn how to communicate effectively and build a strong relationship. 

Being present and actively listening with an intention of responding is a key aspect of parenting and it can help to create a strong bond between parents and teenagers. 

Material, emotional support

It is essential for parents to focus on providing their children with what they need rather than simply giving in to their wants. Parents should teach children the value of delayed gratification, as it can help them develop self-control and appreciation for the things they have. 

Additionally, it is vital for parents to provide emotional support and guidance to their children, rather than just material possessions. Teaching children the value of hard work, responsibility and independence is a major aspect of parenting. 

As a society, we should as well recognise and appreciate that every family is different and every child has different needs, most parents might be trying to make up for what they missed in their own childhood. It’s a good idea for them to seek professional help if they are not sure what is the best way to raise their children. However, it is great to remember that showing love and affection to children can take many forms, and providing for their basic needs is certainly one way to do so. 

Nonetheless, parents should not try to replace their presence with material possessions, such as gadgets, as it will not fulfill the emotional needs of their children. 

Children need love and attention from their parents and guardians, and material possessions cannot replace that. The need for connection and attention is a fundamental human need, and when it’s not met, it can lead to negative consequences such as low self-esteem, poor social skills, and difficulty forming healthy relationships. 

It’s also important to note that technology and social media can be a double-edged sword, and while it can be a useful tool for communication and connection, it can also be a source of distraction and disconnection. It’s, therefore, crucial for parents to set boundaries and guidelines for their teenager’s use of technology and social media and to teach them how to use it responsibly. 

Additionally, parenting styles and methods are constantly changing, so it will force parents to stay up to date with the latest information and to be flexible in their approach. 

Additionally, parents should recognise that every child is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. 

So, its key to note that parenting is a skill that can be learned and developed, and it’s important for parents to seek out the knowledge and resources they need to raise happy, healthy, and successful children. 

Here are some of the skills that every parent should have:

Active listening: Actively listening to your child and understanding their thoughts, feelings, and concerns is crucial in building a strong relationship. 

Communication: Communicating effectively with your child is important in order to understand and respond to their needs. Kindly note that communication is not just verbal. In todays generation, our young ones communicate in different ways, among them is rebellion, poor performance in school, dress code among others. They will choose what draws your attention to them. 

Problem-solving: Being able to help your child find solutions to problems they are facing can help them develop problem-solving skills and build their confidence. 

Empathy: Understand and relating to your child’s emotions and experiences can help them feel understood and supported. 

Boundary setting: Setting clear boundaries and consequences for your child’s behaviour can help them understand what is expected of them and make them feel secure and safe. 

Flexibility: Being able to adapt and change your parenting style to suit your child’s needs as they grow and develop is important. 

Self-awareness: Being aware of your own thoughts, feelings, and reactions can help you to be more present and responsive to your child. 

Patience: Being patient with your child and understanding that they are still learning and developing can help them feel safe and supported. 

 Self-care: Taking care of your own emotional and physical well-being as a parent is important to be able to provide the emotional and physical support to your child.