PIC: Some of the parents and a student who attended the parenting seminar at Serenaa Confence Hall in Kampala organised by Strathmore Univeristy, Kenya. (Credit: Mary Kansiime)
PARENTING
KAMPALA - "Did you know that drug and alcohol companies are targeting young people?" Marcos Migeri, the director of admission services at Strathmore University in Nairobi, asked parents.
According to Migeri, companies that engage in the manufacture of drugs are targeting young people, who can easily be influenced.
He made the caution over the weekend during a one-day parents' seminar at Serena conference hall in Kampala in which he advised parents to talk to their children about drugs and alcohol so that they do not end up destroying their future.
On the other hand, Kevin Rwanyarere, the manager of Strathmore Business School, told parents to encourage their children to be disciplined.
"No one wants to hire an intelligent thug," Rwanyarere said, adding: "But it all starts with what values the parents instill in their children."
On the same note, Migeri called on parents to encourage their children to go for voluntary work in their communities, saying this will help institutions produce graduates who are good service providers rather money hunters.
On the matter of peer pressure, parents were urged to develop their children's self-esteem and teach them to stand their ground when making decisions.
Are you a parent who has been ignoring social media? If you have been doing so, Migeri encourages you to join it so that to you can keep up-dated on what your children are doing.
"Your son or daughter spends most of their time on social media, so you should follow suit."
"Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Whatsapp keep you informed about your children's friends and lifestyle. So, you should join them," Migeri urged
Regarding finances, Abu Ngahu an author and motivational speaker from Kenya implored parents to talk to their children about money, especially concerning debts, adding that many students make unnecessary expenditures, getting them into debts they would have otherwise avoided.
He said the children should be taught how to sustain their parents' wealth.
"What you leave in them is more important than what you leave for them," said Ngahu said. "That is why it is important to help your child be knowledgeable in money matters."
