The Lagos State Government has called on parents and caregivers to adopt intentional and positive parenting practices to curb rising social problems, warning that many cases of domestic violence, substance abuse, bullying and juvenile delinquency originate from poor family relationships.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Dada, made the call during a recently organised parenting programme organised by the ministry in Lagos, where she urged families to become more deliberate in raising emotionally healthy and morally responsible children.
The programme, themed “Transforming Families Through Positive and Intentional Parenting,” brought together parents, caregivers, child protection advocates and other stakeholders to examine practical strategies for strengthening families and improving child development.
Speaking at the event, Dada described the family as the first institution where children acquire values, attitudes and character, stressing that parenting extends far beyond meeting children’s material needs.
“The home is where children first develop their values, attitudes and character. Every word we speak, every action we take and every example we set contributes to the kind of adults our children eventually become,” she said.
