20/02/2024
As I grow older, I've convinced myself that parents are one of the reasons we still experience problems with SRHR.
WHY?
If parents were open from the start about SRHR, some of these young ones wouldn't choose the paths they are on. I'm referring to those who ended up in early marriages, engaged in s*x at a younger age, underwent unsafe abortions, and contracted STIs. Additionally, these issues have also led these individuals to become alcoholics, drug addicts, prostitutes, and school dropouts, or vice versa.
WHY PLACE THE BLAME ON THEIR PARENTS OR GUARDIANS APART FROM THEMSELVES?
You will agree with me that most of us have been raised in families where parents were never open to us when it comes to many issues that could have destroyed our lives. Our parents were (are) reserved when discussing s*xual matters and never mentioned issues related to SRHR. They believed in the traditional way for us to acquire information from people they "trust" like aunties, uncles, and church elders. Some even trust neighbors to impart such information – funny, huh?
Don't underestimate the power of the parent-child relationship concerning SRHR. If only parents were (are) open to us regarding these issues, many problems would have been avoided. I bet some of those who ended up in early marriages were misguided by friends or other trusted individuals.
All the problems our parents are facing could have been avoided if they were open to us about SRHR. Discuss these things when your child reaches an appropriate age. When they face challenges outside, they will come running to you for help instead of seeking advice from others you may have entrusted with your duties!
TO ALL FUTURE PARENTS: Prioritize your sons and daughters; feed them reality. LET THEM KNOW.
Makolo, ANA ASAMAKUOPENI!!!
