These are: 1. Lying. 2. Hatred. 3. Violence (including verbal). 4. Suspicion. 5. Negligence and Ignorance. 1. Parents who tell lies and induce their children to tell lies in one way or the other succeed in teaching the children to be liars unaware of the consequences. Some people are deceived that they can avoid punishment or accountability by lying. This is far from reality. The fact is that truth is a proven weapon of defence. Wise people seldom punish someone when they tell the truth even when they are indicted. To do otherwise is to encourage people to live a lie which is very dangerous. 2. Children copy hatred from parents who are very hateful. This writer lives in a place where his landlord and the brother's family members hate themselves. The relations of the landlord transferred their hatred to this writer as well. In time their children joined them to hate this writer to the point of not greeting every time they meet themselves on the way. This is a very bad influenc...

The issue of some parents being unmindful of the need to learn the art of positive parenting of children in formative years can be attributed to many factors, namely: 1. Cultural norms : - Traditional parenting practices are deeply rooted in cultural beliefs.  Many parents rely on inherited methods rather than seeking new information or guidance on their own. 2. Access to Resources: - in some areas, access to parenting resources, workshops, or counselling may be limited. Parents might not have the.means to attend seminars or purchase books on positive or effective parenting. 3. Educational Background : - Some parents may lack formal education or training in child development, leading them to rely on their own experiences or those of their peers. 4. Economic Pressures: - The demands of daily survival can overshadow concerns about parenting techniques. Parents may prioritize work and economic stability over learning new parenting skills. 5. Stigma around seeking help : - There can ...

Cultivating a viable book-reading culture requires an approach that focuses on accessibility , community engagement , and education . Here are 8no. working strategies sensitive governments can adopt:  1.✅ Government enhancement of accessibility of book reading resources - Library Development: invest in public libraries with diverse collections, comfortable reading spaces, and regular events.  - Digital Resources: - promote e-books and audio books to reach a broader audience, especially in areas with limited physical resources.  2.✅ Community Engagement Through Government  Policies - Book Clubs: Establish local Book Clubs to encourage local discussions and social interactions around reading.  - Author Events - Organize readings and talks with authors to inspire interests and make connection between readers and publishers.  3.✅ Government-influenced educational initiatives - School Programs: incorporate reading programmes in schools, emphasizing the importan...

This writer is of the opinion that the discipline of children rests squarely on the father of the child although the mother has limited role to play notwithstanding that she is naturally attached and bonded to the child. The raging question has been centered on the use of the cane for the discipline of children. Most people rush to some texts of Scripture which plainly specify the use of the rod to correct children because foolishness is bound in the child's heart. Although we have acknowledged that God has the final say in matters of conduct of people, those Scriptural passages are not a blanket approval for child abuse or brutality.  The controlling Scriptural text should be that in Proverbs chapter twenty-two, verse six which stresses, "starting off a child in the way he should go". "Starting off"here means training and training entails a process. Disciplining the child forms part of the starting off or training and there is the right way to achieve this. The...

Conditioning kids about boundaries is essential for their social and emotional development. Here are ten effective ways to do so without resorting to harsh punishment: 1. Model Boundaries: Demonstrate healthy boundaries in your own life. Show respect for your own space and the space of others. 2. Use Clear Communication : Explain what boundaries are and why they are important. Use age-appropriate language to ensure understanding. 3. Set Consistent Rules: Establish clear and consistent rules about behavior. Reinforce these rules regularly to help kids understand expectations. 4. Model Role-Playing : Engage in role-playing scenarios where kids can practice setting and respecting boundaries in a safe environment. 5. Encourage Empathy : Teach kids to consider how their actions affect others. Discuss feelings and encourage them to express their emotions. 6. Provide Choices : Let kids make choices within set limits. This promotes autonomy while still respecting boundaries. 7. Positive Rein...

The saying, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it" (Proverbs 22:6), suggests that early moral, ethical and behavioral foundations laid during a child's formative years create a lasting imprint, guiding their character and choices into old age. This speaks to durability of proper upbringing which acts as an anchor, keeping children aligned with those initial values notwithstanding the external pressure or shifts in Societal values. When applied to the moral collapse and lack of nobility in some societies, the saying calls for some interpretations. If we observe a decline in some values like honesty, integrity and communal responsibility in some people's lives, it may imply that the formative training of contemporary generations has shifted from the old values or failed to instill them effectively. The proverb implies consistency in "the way he should go" defined by traditional, moral, or noble ide...

Most Igbo parents choose to raise their children primarily in English language without weighing the adverse implications in their formative years . Any perceived positive implications cannot stand the test of time in the final analysis. Let's dlve into these implications beginning with the negative ones. 1. There is this ongoing erosion of Igbo language and cultural identit y, compared with other competitive Nigerian languages and cultures. This also affects the culture, history, oral tradition , thought life and values of the families concerned. Children brought up in English will have a disconnect from their roots . They will not learn the all-important proverbs , folklores , oral traditions, stories and games rooted in Igbo language and culture . Such children will struggle with bonding with their grand parents and other rural relatives who do not speak or understand English. They will thus struggle to engage with their heritage. With time passage this will weaken the transmis...