The Crisis of Parenting in Africa: A Call for Change

Parenting is one of the most fundamental pillars of any society. Yet, in many African societies, it remains a neglected responsibility. The prevailing mindset encourages young people to grow up, get married, and have children, but offers little to no guidance on what it truly means to be a parent. This lack of education and awareness has led to a generation of parents who either misunderstand their roles or completely delegate their responsibilities, often with devastating consequences.

The Misconception of Parenting Roles

In many African households, parenting is still viewed as the primary responsibility of women. Men, on the other hand, see themselves primarily as providers, leaving the emotional and moral upbringing of children to their wives. This outdated notion creates an imbalance in the family structure, leaving children with only half of the parental guidance they need. Effective parenting requires both mother and father to be actively involved in the child’s life, setting good examples, and instilling discipline and values.

The Consequences of Poor Parenting

The deterioration of our society today can be directly linked to poor parenting. Many parents believe that hiring a nanny or enrolling their children in expensive schools absolves them of their duty to raise their children with discipline and strong values. However, raising a child is more than just providing material needs; it is about imparting values, morals, and discipline that will shape them into responsible adults.

A recent incident at a university in Nigeria highlights the severity of this issue. A young woman reportedly molested her lecturer simply because he asked her to delete a video. This behavior is a reflection of failed parenting. If she could act in such a way towards an authority figure, one can only imagine the kind of upbringing she had at home.

Similarly, in Cameroon, a student was caught with illegal drugs and taken to the police station. Instead of allowing the child to face the consequences and learn from the experience, the father—a well-placed official—used his influence and financial power to bail the child out. This act of shielding children from accountability only fuels a sense of entitlement and irresponsibility, ultimately harming the larger society.

Parenting as a Societal Responsibility

A society that neglects proper parenting ultimately suffers in terms of crime rates, moral decay, and lack of discipline among the younger generation. When parents fail in their duties, children grow up without the proper guidance needed to become responsible citizens. The result is an increase in juvenile delinquency, corruption, and lack of respect for authority.

Parenting should not be seen as an individual choice but as a societal obligation. It is essential that communities, religious institutions, and schools play an active role in educating young people on the responsibilities of parenting. Schools should introduce parenting courses as part of their curriculum to ensure that future generations are equipped with the right knowledge and skills to raise responsible children.

A Call for Change

To address this crisis, African societies need to:

1. Educate Future Parents: Schools and religious institutions should incorporate parenting education into their teachings to prepare young people for the responsibility of raising children.
2. Encourage Active Fatherhood: Fathers must take a more active role in their children’s upbringing rather than seeing themselves only as financial providers.
3. Hold Parents Accountable: Parents should be held accountable for their children's actions. Covering up for a child's misdeeds only promotes a culture of impunity.
4. Promote Community Involvement: Raising children should be a collective effort. Communities should establish mentorship programs and youth guidance initiatives.
5. Emphasize Moral and Ethical Values: Teaching children about discipline, respect, and the consequences of their actions is vital in shaping a responsible society.

Conclusion

Parenting is the backbone of any strong society, and its neglect is evident in the increasing moral decay in many African communities. If parents do not take responsibility for their children's upbringing, the future of our society remains at risk. We must collectively work towards raising a generation of well-rounded, disciplined, and responsible individuals. The time for change is now.