04/06/2025
PARENTING IS NOT FOR THE WEAK. 💯
I’ve noticed a pattern among some of us parents, certain things that keep repeating. Not all, but many of us need to hear this. Contentment begins in childhood. If a child doesn’t learn contentment early, they may never truly grasp it. Only a few, maybe 2 out of 100, manage to develop it later in life due to special circumstances. For the rest, it shows clearly as they grow older.
Let me explain…
A child who always comes home asking, “Mum, can you buy me what Magbeke has?” is already learning to compare and compete unnecessarily. That’s not a good sign of upbringing. As parents, we must correct that mindset early. Don’t encourage those comparisons. If you choose to get something similar, let it be your own decision, not a response to pressure from your child.
A child who constantly picks on others may be showing signs of deeper behavioural issues. A child who always wants what others have is slowly becoming a material chaser or “goal digger” in the making. These traits don’t appear overnight they come from what we, as parents, allow or ignore.
Recently, I’ve heard some mothers say openly, “Where did you get this for your baby girl? My daughter said she likes it too.” Can you imagine!! Personally, I think it’s more proper for me to admire what another child is wearing, decide on my own to buy something similar for my child, not because my child came asking, but because I chose to. It should come from me, not from a place of comparison through my child.
Let me use my son as an example. My first son is a complete “guy man.” He loves quality clothes, especially designers. Truth be told, I love quality myself not just because of the name, but because good things last. He picked up that taste from me. He’s 10 now, and very style-conscious.
Last November, I bought a pair of Align sneakers during a sale. They didn’t fit anyone in the house at the time, but I said to myself, “Someone will grow into these by Christmas 2025.” Honestly, I completely forgot about them.
Fast forward to last week, he and his older sister were preparing for a school trip outside our area. As I brought out their outfits, he came to me and said, “Mum, I think those Align sneakers you bought last year will fit me now. Can I wear them with my outfit?” I was shocked. How did he remember those shoes? And of all his sneakers that perfectly matched his outfit, why that one?
I got annoyed and told him “No” without giving any reason. He looked disappointed but didn’t argue. Still, before he left, he came to hug me goodbye, and that touched my heart.
When they returned, I sat him down and asked, “Nnam, how did you remember those sneakers? And why did you want that particular pair, when you already had others?” His response amazed me . He said, “Mummy, I just wanted to complete my look with something new. I’ve worn those other sneakers many times. And besides, Alfie, my best friend at school, told me he always gets new clothes whenever he has a function. I just wanted to do the same.”
At that point, I told him the plain truth: “That’s not how it works in this house. Until you start paying your own bills, you do as I say. I, your mother, know when your wardrobe needs a change, not you.”
Now let’s be real. If every child expects something new for every occasion, what happens when the income flow changes? Can the parents cope? Many children go astray when life doesn’t meet their expectations, because they were raised to believe they must always have the newest, the latest, the best.
We must teach our children that life has two sides, old and new, rich and poor, wants and needs so they grow up with balance. Let them understand that new things are not bad, but when something good already exists, it’s okay to use what’s available.
Let’s wake up, parents. Our children are either the good or the bad of our society tomorrow.
May God help us all. 🙏🏾
MWSQUARE Cares.
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