It takes a village to raise a child

EDITOR: We all want our children to grow up to be respectful and responsible and each adult must play his role to accomplish this. Child guidance is a collective task and cannot be accomplished if we consider our own actions without knowing the context. In all situations, we must give priority to what is in the best interest of the child.

Children cannot raise themselves, nor can electronic gadgets raise them. While it is not impossible for mothers to raise their children by themselves, the task is made easier if fathers, churches, schools, community groups, police and neighbours help.

Traditionally, fathers provide food, shelter and clothing for their children. Ideally, he should be married to the child’s mother and live in the same house. In this way a child can gain the maximum benefit of protection, discipline and skills. Children who know their father perform better at school. In many cases the absent father makes the work of the mother more challenging.

Churches provide help in character development and give children moral grounding. Some churches also have programmes designed to reach children in their various stages of development. Prayer, bible study and faith in God all help children to be respectful and responsible.

Schools specifically teach children to read, write, speak, reason and to cooperate with others to accomplish various tasks. They also teach children how to live and how to make a living using the skills they are taught. Here they have many opportunities to learn to be respectful and responsible.

Community groups teach teamwork and cooperation. Here students learn to lose with dignity. They learn conflict resolution.

It is the responsibility of the police to know the community they serve. If it is possible some of them should live there, attend their churches, join other community groups, patrol the streets and discourage deviant behavior.

Straying children can be encouraged by neighbours to go home especially after hours.

When everyone speaks with one voice, discipline of children will be effective, and they will grow up to be respectful and responsible.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD