Positive Parenting

By Dickson Tumuramye Do you ever involve your children in the budgeting process for their school, personal, and family requirements? As we prepare to take our children back to school for the third term, many parents are also starting the shopping marathon. The usual routine is that children present their school requirements, sometimes with an extra list of personal wants. The atmosphere in many homes is a mix of pressure, anxiety, and anticipation. Some parents happily shop together with their children, while others prefer to do it on their behalf. This back-to-school period is always a financial balancing act. On one hand, schools legitimately require many items to ensure a smooth learning experience. On the other hand, some children believe their parents have an unlimited supply of money. They present lists that stretch far beyond what is affordable, with little understanding of the financial sacrifices involved. This creates a sense of entitlement that can weigh heavily on p...

2016 will forever be etched in my heart—not because it was easy, but because it was real. After four consecutive years of giving birth (yes, four!), I found myself somewhere between the labor suite and the land of lost identity. My life was a loop of antenatal visits, sleepless nights and diaper duty. I loved being a mother, but let’s just say the motherhood package came with a few surprise add-ons I hadn’t read in the fine print. Then, like a plot twist in a feel-good movie, opportunity knocked. I was among the three students selected for the university exchange program  in Norway as part of our  postgraduate studies. My first instinct? “No way!” The oldest of my three little humans was just four.  But then my husband—bless his brave soul—did the unthinkable. He took a career break to mind the kids so I could rediscover myself and my dreams. Bags packed, I headed to NLA College in Kristiansand, Norway. And oh, what a ride! Thank you NORHED for the opportunity of a life...

  Elections Are Here: Will Your Child Vote, Lead, or Riot? By Dickson Tumuramye As Uganda enters another election cycle, the nation turns its focus to campaign rallies, candidate posters, political debates, and intense competition for leadership positions at various levels. But amid the political noise, another vital question begs for attention: what are we teaching our children about politics and civic engagement? For some parents, politics is seen as a space for adults, or worse, a dangerous game best avoided. But that mindset has consequences. Our children are not just future voters and leaders; they are already watching, listening, and learning from what we say and how we behave during election seasons. If we remain silent, we leave a vacuum that can be filled by misinformation, manipulation, or even violence. And so the question arises: when elections come, will your child vote, lead, or riot? What Does Responsible Political Participation Look Like? Political engag...

By Dickson Tumuramye In today’s rapidly changing, competitive, and increasingly digital world, raising emotionally intelligent children is no longer optional; it is essential. While parents eagerly seek academic success for their children, many overlook the significance of emotional intelligence (EQ), which is often a stronger predictor of success, healthy relationships, self-awareness, and resilience than IQ. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to understand, manage, and express one’s emotions while also recognizing and influencing the emotions of others. It is the foundation for empathy, social skills, self-awareness, and effective communication. Children with high emotional intelligence are not only more likely to excel academically but are also better equipped to navigate peer relationships, manage stress, resolve conflicts, and make thoughtful decisions. Why Does Emotional Intelligence Matter? From a young age, children experience a wide range of emotions, includi...

By Dickson Tumuramye In today’s ever-evolving, competitive world, every parent desires to see their child succeed in school. We buy books, hire tutors, and attend school meetings, all in the hope of better grades. But behind every thriving learner is a quiet force many overlook: discipline. Unlike character, which speaks to values and moral standing, discipline is the day-to-day engine that helps children translate potential into performance. It is the muscle behind habits like waking up early, completing homework on time, respecting authority, and staying focused even when distractions abound. Discipline is not about shouting, punishing, or controlling. It is about teaching children to manage themselves. It is the gift of structure, consistency, and delayed gratification—and parents are the first and most influential teachers in this school of life. Many parents struggle with the time to nurture their children with good discipline. You have a chance to be intentional this school...

By Dickson Tumuramye As we enter the school holidays, it serves as a reminder of the importance of family and how, in God's design, family is not only foundational to life but also comes before work. In a world that often prioritizes career and productivity, it’s essential to reflect on God's original order of creation and how He designed family to be our first ministry and priority. God’s Design for Family: A First Blessing The very first relationship God established in the Garden of Eden was the relationship between man and woman, a family. In Genesis 2:18, God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” In creating Eve as a companion for Adam, God established family as the very first institution, preceding work and society. This divine order emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family relationships over all other responsibilities. Even before Adam and Eve were given the task of cultivating the Garden of Eden in Genesis...

By Dickson Tumuramye Many parents are quick to ask, “How was your day or school today?” and the usual answer is a rehearsed “Fine” or “Okay.” The conversation ends, and life goes on. Yet behind that brief response could be a story waiting to be told, anxiety over grades, unspoken peer pressure, silent triumphs, or private heartbreaks. Children and young adults, whether in primary school or at university, or some who could be in the corporate world, often communicate more through what they don’t say than what they do. Our children may be surrounded by noise at school or at work, but often they return home carrying unspoken burdens. Listening as a parent, therefore, requires more than hearing words; it demands tuning into the silences, gestures, moods, and unsaid stories. While younger children may hide behind silence because they lack the words, older ones may retreat because they crave independence, fear judgment, or believe we won’t understand. Whether at home on holiday or navi...

By Dickson Tumuramye A Term Like No Other As children return to school this week, excitement and anxiety hang in the air. For many learners, this is the most critical academic term of the year — one that will determine their next step in life. From Primary Seven candidates sitting their PLE, to Senior Four and Six students preparing for UCE and UACE respectively, this term is more than just another lap; it’s the finish line. Even for those in transitional classes, end-of-year promotional exams carry significant pressure and expectation. This final term is often packed with tight schedules, revision programs, tests, and emotionally charged preparation. As a result, many children feel overwhelmed, not only by academics but also by the voices around them. Who Is Speaking into Your Child’s Life? In this emotionally and mentally charged season, an important question must echo in every parent's heart: Whose voice will shape your child this term? Will it be the loudest voice, p...