By Charity Nwosu
Two parents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed divergent views on child upbringing, reflecting differing approaches to parenting influenced by social and cultural expectations.
The parents spoke in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Abuja, highlighting differences in discipline, communication, and supervision as key factors shaping how children were raised.
Celestina Obianuju said instilling discipline and respect in children should remain a top priority for parents, regardless of changing trends, noting that strong values were essential for responsible behaviour.
According to her, parents should avoid being either too strict or overly permissive when raising children, as both extremes could negatively affect a child’s development and sense of responsibility in society.
“Parents should not be over-strict or over-loving to the extent that children take advantage of their kindness and simplicity,” she said, emphasising the need for balance in parenting approaches.
Obianuju added that discipline remained an important part of parenting, saying “Spare the rod and spoil the child.
“I will raise my child in the same way I was raised.
“I am an African woman and I cannot afford to pamper or spoil my child in the name of being loving and caring. When children do something wrong, I will correct them through punishment,” she said.
Another parent, Theresa Ohia, said effective parenting should combine communication, moral guidance, and proper supervision, noting that modern realities required parents to adopt more engaging and understanding approaches.
Ohia urged parents to monitor their children’s online activities and encourage positive social behaviour, saying exposure to social media made guidance more important than relying solely on fear or punishment.
“Knowing your child is the first important step as a parent. What is important is building trust, teaching values and spending quality time with children,” she said.
She added that unlike in the past, when strict discipline was common, many parents now preferred dialogue and understanding, reflecting broader societal changes in attitudes toward raising children.
NAN reports that as the society continues to evolve, debates over the most effective methods of child upbringing persist among Nigerian parents, with no single approach universally accepted.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
