Picnews
A cleric has warned parents against equating good parenting solely with providing food, education, shelter and other material needs for their children, stressing that emotional presence and active involvement are equally important.
The cleric said parents could provide their children with material comforts while still failing to meet important emotional and developmental needs if they remained physically or emotionally distant.
According to the cleric, children need more than financial support. They also require attention, guidance, affection, communication and quality time with their parents.
The warning reflects growing concerns about parenting patterns in which demanding work schedules and financial responsibilities leave parents with limited time for meaningful interaction with their children. Contemporary discussions on fatherhood similarly emphasise that provision and presence should complement each other rather than one replacing the other.
The cleric urged parents to take a more active role in their children’s upbringing by listening to them, understanding their concerns, guiding their decisions and creating an environment where they can openly discuss their experiences.
The cleric noted that children may remember the time, attention and encouragement received from their parents long after material possessions have lost their value.
Parents were therefore encouraged to strike a healthy balance between providing for their families and being emotionally available to their children.
The message is that responsible parenting goes beyond paying school fees, buying clothes or meeting household expenses. It also involves being present, setting good examples, teaching values and building strong relationships with children.
The cleric consequently called on parents to reassess their priorities and ensure that the pursuit of financial success does not come at the expense of family relationships and the proper upbringing of their children.
