The Kampala parents’ school has held its first parents’ discussion about the welfare of children in school and parenting challenges for busy parents.

According to the principal, Daphne Kato, parenting has increasingly become a big challenge to busy parents, leaving some children uncultured, unfriendly and hard to teach.

“Some of the parents are uninformed and totally devoid of parenting skills. That is why we thought it important to hold a discussion with parents and teachers to learn from one another and get the best out of our children,” she said.

She said the school has noticed an increasing trend of undisciplined children, especially in the upper classes, because of parent’s failure to guide their kids.

“Instead of parenting, parents are choosing to replace the love for their kids with money. Even in day schools, kids are given a lot of money to compensate the love and time of their parents, but this is dangerous and that is why we have to talk to them,” she said.

She said the talk will be turned into an annual event, with several renowned parental experts and councilors invited to share with parents.

Annet Kirabira, a counselor, said there is an increasing trend of parents blaming their kids for unruly characters, even when it is their primary responsibility to offer guidance to their children.

“It is not good for a parent to fear their kids. I have seen many come to me and say the kid is impossible and that I should talk to the kids. When I talk to the kids, most times I realise the parents have never had a conversation with the kids,” she said.

She said 80% of all behavior related problems in children are propagated by parents who use money as a tool for parenting.

“The children don’t need money. All they need is love and guidance but parents have failed to see that. We are the first to corrupt our children and then remember to discipline them when it is late. This must change,” she said.