Introduction
Welcome to 21st Century parenting, a revolutionized approach to child-rearing. Unlike traditional methods, this style incorporates technology, mental health awareness, and children’s rights into parenting. In Nigeria, parenting still holds fast to culture and tradition, however, trends are slowly changing.
Three critical perspectives characterize Nigerian parenting:
- Authoritative discipline
- Educational priority
- Strong familial bonds
Challenges of 21st Century Parenting in Nigeria
As the world has evolved, so too has the way in which we parent. With technology and cultural changes making an impact on our everyday lives, we must adapt our parenting styles to meet these new challenges. Nigeria, like many other countries, face unique challenges when it comes to parenting in the 21st century.
Technological Advancements and their Effects on Parenting
With the rise of technology, the way in which we communicate and interact with one another has changed.
While technology has certainly made our lives easier in many ways, it can also have negative effects on parenting.
Children are now exposed to a variety of social media platforms and digital devices, which can lead to addiction, cyberbullying, and other issues.
Changing Cultural and Societal Norms
Nigeria is a multicultural nation with diverse customs and practices. However, many traditional norms and values are fast changing.
For instance, each region’s concept of discipline among children varies, presenting parents with the dilemma of balancing traditional values with evolving societal norms.
Economic Challenges
With the economic challenges prevalent in Nigeria, parents are faced with additional pressure to provide for their family. This can lead to longer working hours and less time spent with their children.
Parents must find a balance between work and family to ensure that their children receive the necessary support and attention.
Parenting Styles and Their Impact on Children
The parenting style a parent chooses significantly affects their children, with potential impacts on their well-being and academic achievement.
An authoritarian style, characterized by strict rules and limited expression, can harm children’s mental well-being.
A permissive style, allowing children unchecked freedom without monitoring, may contribute to poor academic achievement.
In short, parenting in the 21st century is no easy feat. Nigerian parents must navigate challenges like technological advancements, cultural changes, economic constraints, and parenting styles to raise healthy, happy, and successful children.
It is up to us as parents to find the right balance and adapt to the evolving needs of our children as we strive to become better versions of ourselves and better parents for our children.
Possible Solutions
21st century parenting has become increasingly challenging and complex, especially in the Nigerian context where cultural and societal expectations diversify with rapid globalization.
As such, parents must learn to navigate various factors that influence their parenting styles and ensure that their children grow up to be well-rounded and responsible individuals. Here are some possible solutions.
Balancing Usage of Technology with Outdoor Activities
- Parents must limit children’s use of technology to avoid addiction and lack of physical activity.
- Create a daily schedule that includes exercises, outdoor activities and bonding time as a family.
- Promote reading culture and engage children in creative activities that stimulate their imagination.
Creating a Support System for Parents
- Parenting can be stressful, and creating a support system like counselling services and parenting groups can alleviate the burden.
- Participating in community events and interacting with other parents can also provide emotional support and contribute to child development.
Encouraging Positive Parenting Styles
- Parents should promote a positive environment for their children by avoiding negative discipline and praising good behavior.
- Adopting authoritative parenting styles that are firm but nurturing and involve setting clear rules and consequences can build trust and respect between parent and child.
- Parents must also allow their children to express their opinions and be active listeners to foster open communication.
Raising Awareness About the Impact of Culture on Parenting Practices
- Nigerian cultural practices like spanking and overemphasis on academic excellence can affect parenting styles negatively.
- Parents must educate themselves on child development and adopt modern parenting techniques that match the changing world.
In summary, parenting in the 21st century demands continual review and adaptation to align with a changing world.
Parents should strive to balance technology with outdoor activities, establish support systems, promote positive parenting styles, and be mindful of cultural practices’ impacts.
The FOH Annual Parent Seminar is a gathering for Parents to share and discuss on how to become better parents to their children. It is a platform aimed at helping parents become more deliberate caregivers. It’s an open discussion session where crucial matters concerning parenting are being discussed. Physical meeting hold in Bwari FCT Abuja only. 
For more enquiries please call: 07038111578
Email: flickersofhope@gmail.com
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