Positive Parenting

By Dickson Tumuramye Procrastination, often dubbed as the thief of time, is a habit that many struggle with. Whether it is due to fear, laziness, or a perception of having ample time, the consequences can be significant. Children, too, grapple with procrastination, and if left unaddressed, it can hinder their productivity and success in various aspects of life. In today's fast-paced world where time management is crucial, instilling the importance of prompt action in children is paramount. Children may not recognize that procrastination can lead to increased work, stress, emotional distress, decreased productivity, failures, and missed deadlines which can culminate in bigger problems than anticipated. As parents and teachers, we play a pivotal role in guiding them toward overcoming procrastination and fostering a proactive approach to tasks. The first step in addressing procrastination is helping children understand what it is and its detrimental effects. By raising awaren...

By Dickson Tumuramye As parents, we embark on a journey filled with hope and anticipation for our children's futures. We envision them thriving, making sound decisions, and achieving their dreams. However, reality often presents us with unexpected challenges and disappointments. It's not uncommon for our children to veer off course, making mistakes that leave us feeling disheartened and unsure of how to proceed. One of the most touching challenges parents face is when their children make poor life decisions that jeopardize their education and well-being. Whether it's squandering school fees on frivolous activities, engaging in risky behaviors, frequenting clubs, or neglecting their academic responsibilities, such situations can evoke a range of emotions, from anger to despair.  At times, you diligently pay for university fees, accommodation, and meals, only to discover that your child did not attend classes. This realization may not even surface until the time of gradua...

By Dickson Tumuramye Inevitably, there comes a time in formal employment when you cease working in the office, whether by choice or circumstance. Retirement, retrenchment, or a change in career trajectory can all lead to the dissolution of our professional identity, leaving us to grapple with a sense of loss and uncertainty. When this transition occurs, your job-related identity dissipates. You may no longer hold that title except as a former boss/staff. This loss may entail a decline in your social network, including friends who were tied to you through your job title. Yet, amidst this transitional phase, lies an opportunity for personal growth and resilience—a chance to build an independent identity separate from the confines of our job titles. The primary impact of the job loss or retirement is felt by your family - your spouse and children. Hence, it's essential to ponder, "What comes next after leaving formal employment?" Begin planning for your future endeavor...

  By Dickson Tumuramye As our children prepare to return to school this week, reflecting on the past holiday spent at home, it’s likely that many of us the parents have engaged in heartfelt conversations with them, perhaps even enjoyed one-on-one time with each child. These moments often evoke memories of our own parents’ words, echoing through time, resonating as clearly today as they did years ago. Even the wisdom of my late mother, who passed away 19 years ago, remains vivid and impactful. I recall the seemingly mundane, yet profoundly meaningful advice my parents imparted. Their words, though repetitive and at times seemingly harsh, held profound truths that shaped our mindset and approach to life. Take, for instance, the stern reminder about the significance of school fees: “This is the only money I have now, take it. If you eat it, know you are eating your future.” Such admonitions may have felt tedious and strict at the moment, but they instilled a deep-seated understa...