18 Nov 2019

Parents have been implored to take pride in the good character and behaviour of the their children.

Private Secretary to the Vice President, Mr Moses Boile, said this during a recent consultation pitso in Mopipi.

Mr Boile said a solid support system from home was key in raising a well-rounded child so that they could grow up satisfied with their achievements and ambitions.

He stated that a family built with love and happiness produced children with good behaviour

Gestures such as hugs from parents, he said, eased tension and gave children a sense of security while lack of affection caused them chronic stress and disturbed parts of the brain involved in focusing, learning and memory.

“A gentle touch has the power to alleviate symptoms related to emotional, behavioral and physical stress,” he said.

He said parents should help build a child’s confidence.

A village elder, Mr Golosamang Mogolodi, advised parents to choose children’s names carefully such that they would not torment them in future and that in disciplining them, they should not use harsh words that could negatively affect their self-esteem. He encouraged parents to engage their children and show them love and affection.

Children, he said, should be treated equally and not favour one over the other.

Another villager, Ms Ogopotse Jubilee, said children should be advised against behaviour that could taint their future.

Ms Jubillee stated that girls should be taught how they should carry themselves such as how they should sit and good posture.

Social welfare officer, Ms Tshiamo Maziba, said children should be raised with support and guidance by all family members including extended family.

She reminded all that children under the age of 18 were prohibited u from engaging in paid work.

Ms Maziba said cases of sexual abuse were high, adding that most failed to report incest with the view of protecting family members.

For his part, Mopipi Junior Secondary School guidance and counselling teacher, Mr James Kgwalabatlhe, discouraged parents from taking pupils to church at night during the week.

He complained of pupils staying on their own saying parents should be close with their children so that they could immediately tell if something was amiss with their conduct.

The district officer-administration, Ms Tebogo Gagoangwe, explained that defilement was against the law and violated children rights.

 

She urged the community to work collectively in raising children. ENDS