A lot of parents believe that just because their kids make class on time every day with their homework done, then their job as parents is done. This is, however, not so. Gone are the days when kids were basically raised by the school system. It is now more necessary than ever for parents to be active and present in their children’s lives, and teach them the following:
Sex education
Often parents say that sex education is already taught at school as part of life orientation, so that takes the burden off them. Your children relate better to you than their teachers, so it’s better that they first learn about sexual health from you. This also creates the opportunity for you to discuss your stance when it comes to sexual behaviour.
Discipline
Teachers are not and should never be responsible for instilling discipline in your child. If anything, you as the parent should be sending a well-disciplined child to school. Try to work together with your child’s school to discipline your child.
Emotional health
It is your job to instil confidence, manners and a positive self-image in your child. Never leave it up to the school system because a teacher will never be able to teach a child how to love themselves like a mother can.
African history
History is a school subject, but how much of that history teaches your child that his ancestors are kings and queens and that Africa is the beginning of all life? Start having positive conversations about Africa and our cultures with your child because what is taught at school mainly covers slavery and apartheid.
Protection
Kids are taught to know the police’s number by heart in class, but protection and self-preservation go further than that. You need to teach your child how to be street smart and other methods of self-preservation at home because often you will find that for you as a parent, self-preservation includes knowledge of prayer and good interpersonal relations and other things your child will never receive from a 20-minute lesson in the classroom.
