Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Observer
Published on 2024-03-27 03:25:59
Safeguarding parenting and family values is crucial for addressing both short-term and long-term societal challenges, according to Martin Kiiza, the executive director of the National Children’s Authority (NCA). Kiiza emphasized the importance of protecting the family unit as the foundation of human progress during his speech at the launch of the second edition of the Baby and Kids Expo at Kati Kati Bar and Restaurant. He warned that improper parenting can lead to various issues such as violence, child neglect, and abandonment in society.
Kiiza stressed the need to value and protect children as holistic individuals, highlighting the family’s central role in nurturing and guiding them. The family should not be taken for granted, as it plays a vital role in shaping individuals and society as a whole. Joweria Nabuuma, the managing director of Kiara Events Limited, the organizers of the Baby and Kids Expo, echoed this sentiment. The expo aims to bring together children, parents, and stakeholders to discuss children’s well-being and development. The upcoming expo scheduled for May 10-12, 2024, at the UMA Show Grounds in Kampala will focus on education, innovation, and entertainment.
Nabuuma emphasized that the annual event celebrates children’s wellness and joy, providing a platform for families to explore the latest trends in parenting, child development, and early childhood education. The expo is also an opportunity for exhibitors to interact directly with their audience, offering insights and special deals on products for babies, kids, and expectant mothers. Gloria Aminat Aketch, founder of the Mental Health Wellness Project Bora Minds Foundation, emphasized the importance of addressing parental stress and mental health challenges in providing proper care for children.
Aketch highlighted the impact of stress on parents’ physical and mental health, noting that many Ugandans, including parents, may not realize the decline in their mental health until it becomes a significant issue. Mental health care professionals recommend evidence-based therapies for parents to address their child’s mental health needs while also taking care of their own well-being. Parent-child interaction therapy, for example, teaches parents how to manage their child’s behavior effectively to prevent future problems.
However, Aketch warned that parents must prioritize their mental health to prevent their child’s condition from worsening. The decline in a parent’s physical and mental health can hinder their ability to provide proper care for their children, making it essential for parents to address their well-being. By focusing on safeguarding parenting and family values, society can create a nurturing environment for children to thrive and grow into healthy, well-adjusted individuals.
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