Positive Parenting

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...

  By Dickson Tumuramye In the current societal landscape characterized by the emergence of individualism, the communal way of life is gradually diminishing. In such a setting, a child who is raised in a community that lacks openness to social networks and connections may encounter challenges in developing a robust social capital. Nevertheless, it is inherent in every individual to possess the ability to form friendships, whether through deliberate efforts or fortuitous encounters. Within the diverse fabric of our society, the friendships we cultivate are influenced by our immediate surroundings and shared interests. There exists a unique bond that draws individuals together, fostering the development of friendships. Consequently, it is a universal phenomenon for individuals to have companions, irrespective of their reputation or demeanor, as everyone tends to have a confidant or a follower. Therefore, it is imperative to ponder upon the question: "Are you acquainted with y...

By Dickson Tumuramye In recent days, Uganda, like many countries, has grappled with a pervasive issue of corruption among its leaders. The media is inundated with reports of misused public funds, misuse of authority, and the subsequent legal battles that ensue our leaders. As parents, we might find ourselves discussing these issues in hushed tones, unsure of how to address them with our children. Yet, we must do so, for they are not shielded from these realities. They see the headlines, they hear the discussions, and inevitably, they have questions. Understanding corruption Imagine a scenario where our children witness leaders, once revered and entrusted with public office, being hauled before courts and incarcerated. They naturally question why such individuals, supposed role models, succumb to the lure of misusing public funds and resources. They ask if this behavior is acceptable or even normal. Corruption is not just a legal or political issue; it is a moral and societal disease. I...

  By Dickson Tumuramye As each new year unfolds, many of us embark on a journey of setting goals and resolutions to chart our course toward personal growth, career advancement, financial stability, or simply to improve our quality of life. It is a tradition rooted in the optimism that accompanies fresh beginnings, yet the reality often reveals a diverse landscape where some succeed triumphantly while others stumble along the way. The key to bridging this gap lies not only in the act of setting goals but also in the meticulous process of evaluating and re-aligning them as the year progresses. The importance of goal evaluation Why do we evaluate our goals? The reasons are manifold and crucial to our journey of self-improvement and accomplishment. Evaluation serves as a compass, allowing us to track our progress, celebrate our successes, and recalibrate our efforts where necessary. It provides a reflective pause amid life's frenetic pace, offering insights into what is working w...

By Dickson Tumuramye In the contemporary age, there are individuals in the formative stages of their lives who pursue academic endeavors culminating in university degrees without the exposure to engaging with an interview panel. These young minds traverse the educational journey without ever having composed an application letter for any purpose, until the time when they embark on the search for employment opportunities after their academic pursuits. The task of articulating their qualifications in a curriculum vitae is often daunting for them, as they perceive themselves as lacking in professional experience. As a parent, it is reasonable that the idea of imparting the essential skills of job application and interview techniques to your children has not crossed your mind. It is conceivable that you, as a professional, have attempted numerous job applications, navigated successful interviews, and accumulated a wealth of experience from diverse occupational environments. However, the...