Listening to children and considering seriously what they have to say is an important
step in shaping their future. The family is the first institution within which children’s
world view is shaped, formed and indeed from where they gain the confidence
to venture into the external environment. It is crucial then that they become
participants in their upbringing so that their sense of responsibility has a place in
the socialisation process that moulds their character.
Generally, majority of parents, in the African context, make explicit decisions over
matters that concern their children. This most often results in children being timid
and unable to voice out their opinions on matters that concern them due to fear of
punishment. In most cases, however, this is done with the belief that parents know
best about what their children need. It is therefore difficult for the African child
to ask or question certain issues that they feel uncomfortable about in the family.
Most often, attempts to ask or express views on issues in the family can result to
reprimands or punishment as some children, in this book, point out.
Recognising that children have a right to express their views does not mean that
adults no longer have responsibilities towards children. On the contrary, children
cannot and should never be left alone to find their way or learn the lessons that
life has to offer, rather, it requires that we recognise the value of their own
experiences, views and concerns. The family, being the basic protective unit for
children therefore remains the most ideal set up for children to learn and have the
courage to express themselves. Knowing that their parents or caregivers regard
what they feel, what they experience or how they would like their lives to be,
contributes immensely to their sense of balance and responsibility.
This publication has given children across Africa a platform to talk about parenting
by expressing their real life stories of how they relate with their parents and
caregivers in their environments. It brings out the happy moments, the challenges
and struggles that they go through as they relate with the adults in their lives and
how the parenting styles and approaches have shaped them.
Undoubtedly, children’s views reflect a wide range of concerns and opinions and
in most cases recognise the struggles that parents and caregivers go through in
order to provide for their needs. This underscores even further the need to talk to
children, to let them know what is going on in the families, in their communities and
to have them contribute their opinions to critical decisions that affect their lives.
It is therefore our hope that these experiences will reawaken the urgent need to
involve children meaningfully in our families for it is the intent of every parent that
children grow to be responsible adults and reach their best possible potential.