By Victoria Hanson
It is essential for parents to teach their children that life is full of challenges. They need to understand that strength and courage are necessary virtues, just as the Scriptures encourage. God has never promised anyone a life free of trials, only His presence through them.
This is why parents should be cautious not to provide everything their children want, but rather supply only what is necessary and essential.
When children grow up having all their needs and wants instantly met, they may begin to think life has no hardships. But real life has its loopholes, setbacks, and struggles.
Why is this message necessary now?
Because many parents shy away from preparing their children for the realities of life. Some often say, “I don’t want my children to suffer.” But this isn’t about wishing suffering on them, it’s about equipping them with the mental and emotional tools to face life’s inevitable challenges. Children need to understand that failure is part of life, and experiencing it doesn’t make one a failure forever.
A tragic example is the recent case of Ajibola, a 200-level student in the Faculty of Dentistry at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He took his own life after learning he would have to repeat the academic year due to poor results. Under the university’s policy, repeating a level could lead to automatic withdrawal if it continues. Ajibola injected himself at home, ending his life. This painful story underscores the urgent need for a better approach to parenting and mental health awareness.
Another critical point is how parents speak to their children about academic performance. Instead of encouraging words, some parents use threats like, “If you bring failure to this house…” or “If you have an extra year, you’ll have to fund yourself.” Such statements don’t motivate, they instill fear, anxiety, and desperation. They can even push children into dangerous decisions just to avoid punishment or shame.
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Let us raise strong, resilient children, who understand that life won’t always go as planned, but that doesn’t mean it’s over, and they should also be lazy.
Let’s encourage hard work, and perseverance.
