Positive Parenting

  It is November 20. The year is 2010. The previous day had been such a fulfilling one. I had been traditionally given away in marriage. I love simplicity, so I was a stress-free bride. All I cared about was the groom showing up and being surrounded by family and friends. All the people that mattered in my life had been present. It is all that I cared about. My heart was filled with gratitude. The night had flown so fast. By 5am, I was up. I needed to embark on the journey to Bushenyi for our wedding, about 135km from my birthplace. As tradition demands, the groom, in the company of our Go-between , Rev. Didas Natweta was on time to pick me from home, together with my bridal entourage.   I remember the details of the rest of that day like it was yesterday. The disappointment of a scattered salon lady (my over trusting husband to-be had contracted one person to handle salon, cake and decoration and such a disappointment she was), the joy of being walked down the cathedral aisle and th

By Dickson Tumuramye In the journey of education career, each academic year presents a unique opportunity for our children to sow seeds of knowledge and reap the rewards of their hard work during the final exams. As we approach the crucial months from October to December, parents play a pivotal role in ensuring their child is well-prepared for this defining moment in their academic careers. Understanding the Stages of Preparation From Kindergarten to Primary seven, Senior one to Senior four, and Senior five to Senior six, each phase of education marks a progression towards higher learning and personal growth. The culmination of these stages is often marked by the final exams prepared by the Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB), which serve as a measure of a child's academic achievement and readiness for future endeavors. The journey you have been walking together is not yet over until UNEB releases results next year. The Bible says “The end of a matter is better than it

By Dickson Tumuramye As we find ourselves amidst the hustle and bustle of another exam season, a question arises: are schools inadvertently putting too much pressure on our children? This concern is especially pertinent as schools gear up for the final UNEB examinations starting this month. Undoubtedly, these exams represent a crucial milestone in every student's academic journey, but how we approach this period can profoundly impact their well-being and long-term success. Understanding the Influence of Pressure Pressure, in moderation, can catalyze improvement, pushing individuals to strive for excellence. However, when it becomes overwhelming, it turns into a formidable adversary, potentially triggering mental health challenges and undermining academic performance. The signs are visible: children burdened with relentless study schedules, sacrificing weekends and personal time, often exhibit signs of fatigue and stress-induced lethargy. This isn't mere conjecture but a s

By Dickson Tumuramye The recent tragic incident involving Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegai has once again brought to light the devastating impact of domestic violence, not only on women but also on children. Rebecca and her ex-boyfriend Dickson Ndiema lost their lives in a violent altercation, with Rebecca leaving behind two young daughters who are now orphans. This heartbreaking event underscores the profound and long-lasting consequences of domestic violence on children. Domestic violence manifests in various forms; physical, social, sexual, emotional, spiritual, and financial, cutting across all demographics regardless of age, status, education level, race, or ethnicity. It often occurs within intimate relationships such as couples, family members, or between boyfriends and girlfriends, wreaking havoc on marriages and destabilizing families. Emotional and Psychological Impact Children exposed to domestic violence experience a range of emotional and psychological traumas.

By Dickson Tumuramye In the realm of parenting, one of the crucial aspects often overlooked is the scrutiny of what possessions our children acquire. Whether it's the clothes they wear, the gadgets they flaunt, or even the miscellaneous items they bring home, these belongings can speak volumes about their choices, influences, and even potential missteps. The Power of Choice and Influence As parents, we frequently buy items or entrust our children with money to purchase items they desire, be it trendy clothes for a function or the latest gadgets. However, this liberty of choice can sometimes lead to purchases that do not align with our family’s values or expectations. For instance, finding torn and distressed jeans branded “damage” instead of appropriate attire may leave us questioning our child’s judgment. This disconnect highlights the importance of imparting and reinforcing family values regarding responsible consumption and the appropriateness of choices. Signs B

  By Dickson Tumuramye Parenting is an intricate dance of nurturing, guiding, and supporting our children through their journey of growth. One of the aspects that often gets overlooked is the manner in which we praise our children, particularly before their siblings or in public settings. While praise is typically seen as positive reinforcement, its execution can sometimes have unintended consequences, especially when it comes to children who may not excel academically or in other areas traditionally valued by society. Praise and Its Effects As parents, we naturally feel compelled to celebrate our children's victories, whether it's a marked improvement in grades, a stellar performance in a competition, or simply demonstrating a newfound skill. This act of praise serves not only as acknowledgment but also as motivation for our children to continue striving for excellence. However, the danger lies in how this praise is distributed among our children. Consider a scenario w