Positive Parenting

  By Dickson Tumuramye Oftentimes, our children can choose to be very stubborn or disobedient, and as a parent, you feel there is nothing more you can do for this child.  You have possibly gone the extra mile to press this child to be compliant and respectful but nothing seems to change. Other children behave like kings or bosses before their parents. What they want is what a parent will do. A parent now dances to the tunes of the child. Some parents think they should not exasperate their children and, therefore, they give them all the freedom to do as they please. They handle them like glass. It is now the child who advances the rules and conditions that a parent in this case must follow or else the child throws tantrums. Before you know it, such a child grows up with a lot of self-entitlement and by the time you try to ‘tame’ them, it is too late. As they say, charity begins at home. This child too needs to be trained well to be disciplined. Have you ever visited homes where...

By Dickson Tumuramye Holidays are here and we thank God that our children are back from school. Congratulations to the candidates who sat their mocks. This is a short holiday almost three weeks but there are some children like candidates who may not even have this holiday because schools want to continue teaching. Due to competition in schools, children study throughout and they are pumped with a lot of reading to ensure they all pass well. Sometimes there is too much pressure some children are undergoing. Make sure to prioritize spending time with your children at home. Consider taking some time off work to ensure you have quality and sufficient time with them. It's important to note that some parents who work full-time may struggle to find time for their children. Remember, the time you fail to create now may result in you having to spend time at a rehabilitation center in the future. Additionally, you may end up spending more money than necessary if you neglect to ...

By Dickson Tumuramye I listened to a lady's account of being a single mother after her husband's untimely death. Her story resonated with me, highlighting the profound impact of grief.  It made me reflect on how older individuals who comprehend life questions like why, what, when, where, and how may still struggle with loss. But what about young children who cannot fully grasp death? In this contemplative state, my mind wandered back to my own personal experience over fifteen years ago, when I lost my mother shortly after completing my university studies. Even to this day, it sometimes feels as though it were all a surreal dream.  Yet, the uncertainty of whether I will ever have the opportunity to reunite with her lingers in my thoughts. The profound impact of death or other tragic events can leave individuals in a state of self-denial, struggling to come to terms with the irrevocable loss of a beloved parent. In light of these reflections, it becomes essential to consider how...

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.