Faculty of upbringing 101... hivenaija prompt #42.

A child's upbringing speaks volumes on the nature of the home that child is coming from and it also shapes the child into adulthood. Majority of the social vices portrayed by some individuals in society like stealing, thuggery, cultism and others, have their roots traced to the individual's upbringing.

It is said that "Charity begins at home". This is especially true as children tend to play out what they have been inculcated with at home. Evidently, a good upbringing leads to a healthy adulthood.

Growing up, my parents were not perfect or stinkingly rich but they did their best to provide what we needed per time. They were both disciplinarians howbeit, they raised us with love the best way they knew how.

As a child, my dad frowned upon his kids going to people's homes. One day, I asked him for permission to visit a neighbour's apartment downstairs to play with their kids but my dad stared at me sternly and replied..

"What is in that house that we don't have in our house?"

Dumbfounded, I could only avert my gaxe as I knew he was right. I and my siblings lacked nothing in terms of material things that makes a home comfortable, so I had no excuse. My dad allowed us to play at the backyard or the
veranda but that was the limit.

My dad also instilled the value of contentment and patience in his kids, guiding us to not covet what we didn't have at the moment because soon we would have what we desired. He was also keen on spirituality and we followed suit. These virtues have helped me quite a lot in life in shaping me into the adult that I am today.

I lead a life of simplicity and minimalism today as a result of my upbringing. I am not flustered when I don't have certain things that others have as I am satisfied deep within.

My dad also taught that "honesty is the best policy". He would tell us to own up to our errors even if it meant being spanked for it. We got double punishment whenever we were caught in a lie and thay seemed to straighten us up.

As a parent of a fourteen year old daughter, I feel proud to say that I have been able to pass down these virtues to her. This has made my parenting a lot easier as my daughter hardly throws tantrums over things. She knows and understand that if it is needed, with time she would have it and it gives me great joy to see the radiant smile on her face, when she finally receives what she has been asking for. She also doesn't wait for me to ask before she apologizes for her errors at hone or school.

I am always appalled when I see kids throwing serious tantrums all just to get something. When their mum or dad is says "wait", they refuse and even go as far as rolling on the floor if what they want is not given to them immediately. They are so impatient that it itks me.

Children need to learn to be patient and satisfied with what they have as this helps to cure greed and covetousness. Allowing your child to wait for some time before been given some things will help later on in life, after all we are parents not genies.

One part of my upbringing that I would not replicate in my child is asking them to live out my unfulfilled dream. Every child is unique and should be allowed to become what they want to so long as it borders morality and sanity. Forcing children to become doctors, lawyers, engineers for our own ego is unfair to that child.

I suffered a lot in this aspect as my dad wanted me to be a doctor while my mum wanted me to become a lawyer that would defend her in court. I am an educator now although it was mot easy following my passion.

We should also realize that children are gifts from God and we are merely guardians who will give account of how we raised them one day. We should endeavour to do our veey best in raising tham to be upstanding individuals that would make is and the society proud.

This is my response to rhe #hivenaijaprompt wk 42

Thank you all for reading....shalom

Imagee used are mine.