Parents are a child’s first teachers before school begins – Social Worker
Social worker Moses Avasong urges parents to nurture good character, build trust, and provide emotional support, saying a child's lifelong development begins at home.
A pastor and social worker, Moses Avasong, has emphasised that parents are a child’s first and most influential teachers, saying the values, attitudes and behaviours children develop at home form the foundation for their success in school and life.
Speaking on Voices of Change on Mike FM on Saturday, July 25, Avasong said parents and guardians play a greater role in determining the future of their children than any other institution.
According to him, while schools complement a child’s development through formal education, the responsibility of nurturing good character, discipline and confidence begins at home.
“There is a saying that if you do not teach your child the right things, society or the people they associate with may teach them the wrong ones.”
“Parents should build strong friendships with their children by spending quality time with them, going through their schoolwork, boosting their confidence and providing the emotional and psychological support they need,” he said.
Avasong urged parents to create an environment where children feel safe discussing their experiences and challenges without fear of being judged.
He noted that many children are subjected to bullying, harassment and other forms of abuse outside the home but often remain silent because they do not have open and trusting relationships with their parents or guardians.
The social worker further observed that the emotional wounds inflicted during childhood can have lifelong consequences.
“Some adults are still living with childhood trauma because of hurtful words spoken to them while they were growing up. Many dreams have been shattered, and some people have fallen into depression because of negative comments directed at a developing mind,” he said.
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