PARENTS BE CAREFUL!

Parents determine to a large extent what their kids would turn out to be in the future. Studies have shown that in most cases, great men and women of our generation have one good thing or the other to say about their childhood. In the same vein, people that turn out quite bad with various psychological issues have one link or the other with abused childhood. (in each case though, there are exceptions.)

Often times, children with melancholy nature are pro e to suffer bouts if depression as adults and also, tend to have some bad traits. Medical experts have carried out research and have revealed that children who lived in an abusive environment display negative tendencies ;violent in nature, low self esteem etc.

The late king of pop, Michael Jackson was one of America's music icons with lots of fans even among the unborn and people hoping to be great like him. His life was full of surprises, not many would have guessed he suffered low self esteem. In spite of his prodigious talent, unlike the great James Brown who reigned before him, he failed to convince his teeming fans to take him for who he was. He underwent many cosmetic surgeries and the after effects.., we all know. Therfore, it wasn't surprising when he told the world that he was a victim of a deprived childhood.

In contrast, our own Professor Wolf Soyinka, in his autobiography "AKE", narrated how his parents were able to mould him into becoming a success in life. Though his mother was not educated, yet her love and proper discipline molded him into becoming what and who he is today.

Parents should know that in as much as they love their children, they must take note of the following so that their good intent wouldn't boomerang.
~>If a child lives with CRITICISM, he will learn to CONDEMN.
~>If a child lives with HOSTILITY, he learns to FIGHT.
~>If a child lives with RIDICLE, he becomes shy and afraid.
~>If a child lives with SHAME, he learns to feel GUILTY.
~>If a child lives with TOLERANCE, he learns to be PATIENT.
~>If a child lives with ENCOURAGEMENT, he learns to APPRECIATE.
~>If a child lives with PRAISE, he learns to APPRECIATE.
~>If a child lives with FAIRNESS, he learns to be JUST.
~>If a child lives with APPROVAL, he learns to LOVE himself.
~>If a child lives with COMPARISON, he learns to be COMPETITIVE.

Finally parents, learn to pray, bless, listen, and your children rather than cursing, dictating for them. Allow them to make choices for themselves whenever they want to choose, all you have to do is to advise and pray for them. Trust me, if you gave done your homework (which is, bringing them up in the way they should go;the way of the Lord) I tell you that you have nothing to be afraid of because they'll never make the wrong choices. Parents make your children your friends, believe in their dreams and aspirations, celebrate their success and encourage them when they fail.

Remember that you are just a guide, a caretaker and not the owner of their lives so never push them to the wall. You should never see or take your children as investments, hoping to make profit off them someday or as a joker for you to win what ever game you are playing. Parents which is pronounced as PAY–RENTS, should actually pay all rents(bills) be it water, electricity, medical, shelter, or whatever. Do allow your children to handle your responsibilities while they are unmarried.You have lived your life, let them live theirs. All you have to do is to nurture them physically, spiritually, educationally, emotionally, mentally and otherwise, and see how God will bless you and your children.  CHEERS!