Rethinking Parenting Practices for Effective Child Care, Education and Development Provisions in Sokoto State

Abstract

Since time immemorial, bearing, rearing, raising and training children has been a biological, socio- cultural, moral and even religious obligation of parents, but how prepared, efficient and competent are parents toward this obligation is a fundamental issue that needs to be reexamined and addressed. Currently, the trend in child abuse and neglect, child delinquency, child trafficking, and series of activities that put the young innocent and vulnerable children at risk, or dangerous circumstances seem to be on the increase. This paper attributes all these to inadequate parenting. It reviewed the existing parenting practices and suggested the need to evolve better, integrated alternatives for proper raising of children who are well trained and well equipped for life. Because, the quality of children today would invariably determine the quality of our future adults and at the same time affect the subsequent children they will raise and breed. The paper suggests the need for pre- marital orientation, awareness and sensitization programme on quality parenting. Educational programmes, workshops and training for potential parents to be organized by government and non-governmental agencies. Then there should be capacity building and skill acquisition programmes, support and empowerment programmes to improve the existing parenting practices through community base and non- governmental sustainable involvement.