In today’s world, the old saying “Children are the leaders of tomorrow” takes on new meaning. Looking back, it is clear that our current leaders were once young and impressionable. But unfortunately, their leadership often falls short of what we hoped for. This makes it critical to focus on building the next generation of responsible and forward-thinking citizens.
Being a Nigerian citizen, like any citizenship, comes with rights and privileges. But it also comes with duties and responsibilities, the most important of which is contributing to building our nation. This is why shaping the next generation is so important.
Experts say that parents and schools working together is the best way to help children grow. When this happens, it can improve children’s work habits, give them a positive outlook on life, and make them value education more. This is crucial because it helps them develop not just in school, but also in life skills.
Children who grow up with this kind of teamwork between parents and schools tend to have better social skills, fewer behaviour problems, and are better at adapting to different situations. This is especially important now, as employers struggle to find skilled workers with the right attitude. Many young people may have the technical skills to get a job, but they often face problems or even get fired because of their behaviour.
This makes it clear that we need a more thorough way to prepare the next generation. Companies are increasingly focusing on creating teams where people of different ages work well together. This means parents and educators need to work together to shape a generation that’s not just skilled but also has strong morals and ethics.
As Frederick Douglass wisely said, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” In recent times, we have seen a rise in juvenile delinquency and crime, which is worrying and makes us think about what’s causing it.
Experts say that parents and schools working together is the best way to help children grow
Experts say many things can contribute to this, like bad infrastructure, poor schools, lack of role models, and most importantly, poor parenting. Parents have a big impact on their children’s values and behaviour. Children watch their parents closely and often copy what they do more than what they say.
Parents are responsible for teaching their children to respect the law and follow the rules of society. If they don’t, their children may copy their bad behaviour and not follow the accepted values. So, parents, as citizens, have a duty to their country to raise the next generation to be responsible citizens.
This duty cannot be outsourced to others, like teachers, boarding school staff, or house helpers, who may not be trained or willing to do it. The first step for parents in shaping their children’s whole character is to set a good example through their own actions, inspiring their children to follow good behaviour.
Next, parents should talk to their children about the importance of being good people and how it can make the world a better place for everyone. Blaming children’s behaviour with the common excuse of “these children of today” is not a solution. It just keeps the problem going, from generation to generation.
It is interesting that even grandparents and great-grandparents used this phrase to describe their children, suggesting a pattern that keeps repeating. To really build the next generation of citizens, we need to stop making excuses and get involved in raising our children.
Parents are clearly the main teachers of their children, and this important role should not be left only to schools and teachers. Working together means the good things parents do at home are reinforced at school, and vice versa. It also protects children from negative influences in either setting.
Parents need to go beyond just wanting their children to do well in school. While good grades are important, parents should have a bigger picture in mind, remembering that their children are the next generation of citizens who will shape Nigeria’s future. It is up to parents to instil the right values, morals, and sense of responsibility in their children.
Holistic development does not mean everything has to be expensive or fancy. It does not just mean sending children to prestigious schools. True holistic development requires genuine care and attention at home to shape children’s minds and give them a strong value system that addresses the problems they see in society and in today’s leaders.
The overview of this wonderful editorial shows that it is up to parents to actively participate in their children’s whole development. By doing this, they contribute to building a generation with the skills, attitudes, and values needed to take Nigeria forward. Indeed, it is a team effort that requires commitment, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the powerful impact parents have on shaping the future of their children and, by extension, the nation.
