By: Abdulhafeez T. Oyewole
Parenting and the Importance of Awareness
In the digital age, parenting has become a complex task, requiring vigilance and a keen understanding of the influences that shape our children's lives. This piece explores the poignant story of Mohbad, the cautionary tales of other young lives cut short, and the pressing questions parents must ask themselves about their own children's well-being.
Mohbad, known as "Imole" meaning "Light," firstly embarked on his music career as a Christian singer. His birth name, Ileri Oluwa, bore the hopeful meaning of "The Promises of God." However, a fateful decision led him down a perilous path. He adopted the alias "Mohbad," which translates to "I am bad," after carelessly signed into Marlian record label and embracing a controversial leader of the label as his role model. Tragically, Mohbad paid the ultimate price, falling victim to the treacherous world he had entered, leaving his grieving parents to bear the burden of guilt and sorrow.
As a parent, how are you raising your own children?
Child, why on earth would you abandoned God?
Mohbad was buried at the age of 27, leaving behind a son, named Liam which the world are still subjecting his wife to a DNA test to ascertain his is the biological father of Liam.
Few weeks ago, a 19 year old boy was reportedly buried in his father's compound after being shot dead by rival cultists.
Also, some weeks ago, it was in the news that a 21 years old fresh graduate of a university in Lagos, was supposed to follow her parents home after the convocation ceremony, but she insisted on staying back for some wild celebrations. By 5 am the following day, she was found dead, half buried without her private parts and her breasts.
A girl of 18 told her parents that she wanted to go and see her classmate, three hours later, her body was dumped in front her father's house in a pool of blood, by her Yahoo boyfriend
The untimely narrative of Mohbad's demise and others referenced serves as a sobering reminder to parents and guardians. It beckons us to reflect on our own roles in shaping our children's lives. It raises questions that demand honest answers:
- When was the last time you visited your child's school, be it primary, secondary, or tertiary education?
- Do you know who your child's friends are and the influence they have on your child?
- Have you inquired about the reasons behind your child's habitual late-night returns?
- Are you aware of the significance of your child's hairstyle, attire, accessories, tattoos, or any personal choices they make?
- When did you last check on your child in their room at night, ensuring their safety and well-being?
- Do you know who your child communicates with at midnight, and why?
- Have you noticed any unusual redness in your child's eyes, and do you understand its cause?
- Are you attuned to the changes in your child's voice, schedule, and behavior, and do you investigate their origins?
- When was the last time you inspected the contents of your child's constantly carried bag?
- Have you recently checked your child's phone, searched under their bed, or examined their wardrobe?
- Do you understand the source of any wounds or injuries on your child's body?
- What is the significance of their excessively long fingernails?
- Can you identify the cause of any peculiar body odors emanating from your child?
- Do you know their preference for intoxicants, if any?
- Why does your child consistently reject home-cooked meals, claiming to be fine?
- Are you concerned when they insist on arriving separately during family outings?
- Do you take the time to monitor the content of the movies they watch on television, phone or their laptop?
- Have you investigated who visits when your child is home alone, and for what reasons?
- Why do(es) your child(ren) often avoid eye contact and hide their face during conversations?
- Is there a reason for your child's increased fearfulness, especially if it's uncharacteristic?
- Why is your child(ren) always defensive or do otherwise you asked of them?
It's imperative for parents to realize that insensitivity or neglect can place their children in grave danger. Spoiling a child without discipline can have dire consequences.
May we, as parents and guardians, be vigilant, ask the difficult questions, and create an environment where our children feel safe to confide in us. May our children thrive and flourish, and may we never experience the heartache of their untimely or sudden demise.
May we, as a society, be spared from the devastating effects of wicked and unreasonable forces that seek to harm our youth.
- Abdulhafeez T. Oyewole is a multimedia journalist. He writes from Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.
Tags
Opinion