Positive Parenting

By Dickson Tumuramye Several times, I have realized family heads introduce their children at functions or to friends. At functions, they invite their biological children but some parents don’t introduce the married children with their spouses. Sons-in-law and daughters-in-law are introduced separately. However, during parties like introductions, giveaways, and weddings, the bride or groom requests the parents to receive this partner as their own child and parents affirmatively respond in agreement. Such children therefore now become an integral part of the familial unit. When entering into a marriage, it is crucial to acknowledge that the relationship extends beyond the couple. The in-laws, once children of another family, now become part of your own family. This shift in dynamics means that they are now considered your children as well. It is imperative to recognize and embrace this new familial bond with utmost respect and understanding. Again some parents, despite their deep l...

By Dickson Tumuramye Motivating your child to greatness is a responsibility that falls squarely on your shoulders as a parent. As the primary figure in their lives, your role as their number one fan and cheerleader cannot be overstated. It is crucial to recognize the profound impact your words and comments can have on your child's perception of life. Your child looks up to you and is greatly influenced by your actions, whether positively or negatively. Even when they assert their independence, particularly during the teenage years, it is key to remember that your presence and the words you impart hold significant weight. Your absence may be filled with the resonating echo of your deep voice, providing invaluable guidance when they need it. This motivation for your child should be a constant endeavor, extending to all aspects of their life – be it at home, school, church, or in their pursuits of sports, games, technology, or any career they may aspire to. Your unwavering impet...

  By Dickson Tumuramye In the era of social media, conversations about DNA testing have become increasingly prevalent. Many men have been shocked to discover that their presumed biological children may not be their own.  Imagine the heartbreak of realizing that none of your six children, whom you’ve invested in academically, financially, emotionally, and medically, are actually yours. The emotional and financial costs of raising and nurturing children are significant, but the journey is undoubtedly worthwhile. We all work hard in various ways to support our families. However, one morning, you may wake up to the realization that the adult children you have devoted years to are not biologically related to you. This revelation also implies that your “wife” may not be yours entirely. You have unknowingly been sharing her with another man, possibly even  the costs and responsibilities of raising these children with someone else .  Numerous stories have emerge...

I am happy that I presented a research paper on "Marital conflict resolution and child wellbeing" with my colleague, Dr. Betty Enyipu during the International Congress on Evidence-Based Parenting Support.

By Dickson Tumuramye Most times, when a woman is preparing for her wedding, female friends and relatives organize a bridal shower. A good package of how a marriage should be handled, how to care for your husband and yourself, issues of financial management, pregnancy and child care/nurturing, hygiene, and many more are addressed. Then they give her gifts. This woman was already well-mentored by her mother, the older women around her, and her aunties. The climax of it all is this last organized event, ushering her into marriage. She comes in knowing what happens and how to handle issues as and when they arise. Thus, she is not so green about marriage. On the contrary, the husband-to-be is busy organizing the wedding and ensuring everything is in place. As if that were not enough, from childhood, you may find that no one has ever spoken to him about marriage and how to handle it. He grows up knowing that men propose to women. Some don’t even know the best way to do it. But because tradit...

By Dickson Tumuramye Faithfulness is a quality or trait of faithfulness and devotion to someone or something. It is the act of remaining committed to a person, a group, or a set of principles. It is a virtue that helps foster trust, build strong relationships, and promote a sense of stability and reliability. Faithfulness can take many forms, including loyalty, dependability, trustworthiness, and steadfastness. To be faithful means to consistently and unwaveringly demonstrate loyalty, trustworthiness, and adherence to a set of beliefs or principles. It involves remaining committed to someone or something, even in challenging situations. In personal relationships, being faithful includes not betraying someone's trust or feelings and remaining loyal and dedicated to that person. As a parent, this should be upholding moral values, and fulfilling your obligations to your child. What you believe in and stand for determines your worldview and perception of life. This may ultima...

By Dickson Tumuramye The media has been saturated with reports of armed men gunning down fellow men and women for different reasons. It's like a demon walking around roaring at whom to devour. You may hardly finish a week without hearing about killings or suicide attempts somewhere. We have wars in our neighborhoods where our relatives and countrymen are involved. As all these things happen, our children watch them in the media.  This experience of such brutal killings that our children are exposed to at this time especially the young ones and adolescents may not leave them the same. Some are scared, while others assume it is a way of life. The fearful may develop mental health challenges like nightmares, mental disorders, and depression among others. If some children's parents died in such mysterious ways, this may trigger many things in their minds. Talk about bloodshed movies in almost every television show every day, they know each program and time of such movies in...