I was discussing with some friends a few days ago about how community parenting has almost disappeared in today’s society. Sadly, this is one of the main reasons behind the rise in juvenile delinquency.
We now live in a time where an elder might see a child going astray but is forced to remain silent, not because they fear the child, but because they fear the reaction of the parents. Correct a child today and you risk insults, confrontations or even physical assault from the very people who should be grateful. What a world.
Growing up, it was completely different. If any neighbour or elder reported your wrongdoing to your parents, God have mercy on you. In my own case, my father would start from that point and discipline you thoroughly. He always warned, “I do not want to receive any negative report about you.”
It shaped us. Even in school, we behaved ourselves because we did not want the school to call home. Deep down, we knew one truth our generation understood very well: our father would never support us if we were wrong.
But today, parents fight for their children even when the child is clearly at fault, all in the name of protecting them. They think it is love, but it is actually destruction in disguise.
The worst thing that can happen to any parent is when the elders and responsible adults in the community stop correcting your child and look the other way. It means your child is on a dangerous path and nobody wants to get involved anymore.
For instance, look at teachers. While other countries are working tirelessly to improve respect, welfare and support for teachers, who are the custodians, character moulders and pillars of every nation, here in Nigeria teachers are gradually becoming an endangered species. Every week we hear fresh reports of teachers being harassed or assaulted by students or parents, along with many other cases that never make it to the media. Some parents seem to be searching for every possible avenue to disrespect, bully or intimidate teachers.
What many parents do not understand is this: a teacher’s observation about a child is almost always accurate up to ninety-five per cent, if only parents would be willing to listen and work together to find solutions. But too many parents today do not want to hear the truth about their children.
My advice to every teacher who is passionately committed to moulding lives is this: do not be discouraged by the challenges you may encounter. Continue to develop your professional skills and carry yourself with dignity. Beyond teaching in the classroom, build a meaningful life outside the school environment. Engage in personal development, pursue other interests and invest in yourself. A fulfilled teacher inspires more than they can ever imagine.
Key Takeaways
1. Community involvement in raising children is vital for reducing juvenile delinquency.
2. Parents must support teachers instead of undermining them when correcting children.
3. Children behave better when they know elders and parents uphold discipline.
4. Teachers are custodians of character and deserve respect, support and protection.
5. Every teacher should invest in professional growth and personal development beyond the classroom.
© Chinedu Vincent Okoro is a British Council Action Research grantee, Rotarian, educator, poet, and advocate for social change, peace, and mental health. He holds a Master of Education in Advanced Teaching from the University of the People, Pasadena, California, USA. He writes from Abuja.
