Funmi Ogundare
Principal Architect, AD Consulting, and Founder, Awesome Treasures Foundation, Mrs. Olajumoke Adenowo, yesterday appealed to parents not to send their children abroad until they are able to imbibe the right values that would enable their successful stay there.
Olajumoke, who made this known at Greenwood House School Parent Conference in Lagos with the theme: ‘Navigating the Complexities of Parenthood’, emphasised on the importance of values, as well as ensuring that parents help their children adjust socially to such an environment.
In her keynote address titled: ‘Purposeful Parenting’, she explained that parenting requires facilitating the upbringing of a child through all stages of development and fulfilling the parental responsibilities that accompany child care.
According to her, “Establishing a healthy environment as the child grows and ensuring that social development and education are aligned with your values, are imperative.
“As parents, you need to set clear guidelines; have a purposeful timing with your children, and prepare them for the world outside.”
Adenowo, a recipient of a United States congressional recognition, also emphasised on parenting styles, saying a child needs grit, perseverance, curiosity, moral compass and purpose to succeed.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Philips Consulting, Mr. Folusho Philips, stated that parents need to set values in their homes and encourage their children to be independent and resilient.
“Parents need to celebrate their children’s achievements in different ways. The mothers have a responsibility to also encourage the fathers to successfully train the children,” he said.
Earlier in her remarks, the co-founder and Administrator of Greenwood House School, Mrs. Ekua Abudu Akinsanya, described parenting as a constant learning process, saying parents need to develop their children in every sphere.
she noted that the conference was aimed at working with parents to reach the full potential of their wards educationally, morally and socially in a more conducive environment.
Also, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, noted that the theme of the conference was apt, describing parenting as a skill which can be taught and learnt. “Parenting is a life-long task which is done intentionally. As parents, don’t forget that your children will never forget anything purposeful that you are doing to them,” she stated.
