News

If you want your child to respect you as they get older, say goodbye to these 7 habits

Published

1 week ago

September 10, 2024

Naijablitznews

By Francesca Hangeior

There’s a clear line between earning your child’s respect and simply expecting it because you’re the parent.

This line lies in the habits we exhibit. Our kids pick up on these habits, and as they grow, they either respect us more or less because of them.
If you want your child to respect you as they get older, there are certain habits you need to let go of.

In this article, we’ll be exploring 7 of these habits that could be standing in the way of gaining your child’s respect.

1) Being overly authoritative

Maintaining discipline is crucial when raising children, but there’s a thin line between discipline and dictatorship.
Often, parents fall into the trap of establishing an overly authoritative environment. We might think it’s the best way to maintain order, but in the long run, it can lead to a lack of respect.

When children feel like their voices are not heard, they start seeing their parents as oppressors rather than mentors. Don’t get me wrong, setting boundaries is important. But it’s equally key to allow your child some autonomy. Let them make decisions and learn from their mistakes.

This way, your child will not only respect you more as they grow older, but they’ll also develop valuable life skills.

2) Not practicing what you preach

This one hit home for me. I remember how my daughter used to love drawing. One day, she drew on the wall, and I scolded her for it. Yet later that week, she saw me marking measurements on the wall for a new painting.
She was confused and asked me why I could draw on the wall and she couldn’t.
That day, I realized that children learn more from our actions than our words. It dawned on me that if I wanted her to respect the house rules, I had to abide by them too.

Letting go of this habit will not only earn you your child’s respect but also help them understand the importance of integrity and consistency. After all, we can’t expect them to respect us if we’re not respecting the rules ourselves.

3) Dismissing their interests

Did you know that by the age of three, children start developing their own interests? These interests can range from dinosaurs and princesses to even complex things like the solar system.

When parents dismiss or belittle these interests, it can be quite discouraging for a child. It sends a message that their passions aren’t important.
But if you take an active interest in what your child enjoys, you’re showing them that their thoughts and feelings matter to you. It helps them feel validated and respected.

4) Neglecting promises

Promises to a child are like law. When we keep our promises, we show them that we are reliable and trustworthy. But when we break them, even for seemingly small things, it can shake their trust in us.

Think about it, if you promised to take your child to the park over the weekend but you end up cancelling, it sends a message that your commitments aren’t important.
Keep in mind, our actions set a precedent. If we don’t honor our commitments, how can we expect our children to honor theirs?

So make a conscious effort to keep your promises, no matter how small they may seem. It’s a simple step towards building respect and trust with your child.

5) Avoiding difficult conversations

When my son first asked me about the concept of death, I was taken aback. It was a topic I was not prepared to discuss with him. I initially tried to skirt around the question, but he was persistent.

Eventually, I realized that if I didn’t discuss these difficult topics with him, someone else would. And they might not explain it in a way that’s appropriate or sensitive.

Avoiding tough conversations can create a communication gap between you and your child. They may feel that they can’t approach you with serious or sensitive issues.
By being open and honest, even when the topic is uncomfortable, you show your child that they can trust you with anything. This openness fosters respect and encourages a deeper connection with your child.

6) Always solving their problems

As parents, it’s instinctual to want to protect our children from hardship and solve problems for them. But doing this all the time can hinder their ability to learn problem-solving skills on their own.
When we jump in to fix everything, we inadvertently send the message that we don’t trust their capability to handle situations. This can impact their self-esteem and affect the respect they have for us.

Instead, guide them towards finding solutions rather than providing them outright. This not only helps them become independent thinkers but also strengthens their respect for you as they see you as a mentor rather than a fixer.

7) Not showing them respect

This is perhaps the most critical point. If you want your child to respect you as they get older, you must first show them respect.
Respect their time, their feelings, their thoughts, and their space. Teach them that respect is a two-way street.
By treating your child with the respect they deserve, you model the behavior you wish to see in return. It’s a fundamental principle of mutual respect that can transform your relationship with your child.

News

Shettima becomes 1st VP to lead Nigeria’s delegation to UN Assembly in 25 yrs

Published

1 hour ago

September 20, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has decided not to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York this year.

The president has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.

President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the United Kingdom, according to a statement yesterday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.

“At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.”

“The high-level General Debate, with the theme ‘Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,’ will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024,” the statement added.

Since return to democratic governance in 199, Shettima will be the first Vice President to Nigeria’s delegation to UNGA.

Only Goodluck Jonathan represented Nigeria as Acting president in September 2010 at the 65th UNGA, while late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua was away in Saudi Arabia due to his ill health.

News

Plateau Assembly approves N5.8bn for LG election

Published

2 hours ago

September 20, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Plateau State House of Assembly, on Thursday, approved N5.8bn for the conduct of the local government election in the state slated for October 9, 2024.

The approval by the House followed a communication from Governor Caleb Mutfwang, which was read at plenary by the Assembly Speaker, Gabriel Dewan.

The Speaker stated that the request was necessary as there was no budgetary allocation for the LG elections in the 2024 budget.

A member of the State Assembly, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak for the Assembly, confirmed the development to The PUNCH in Jos on Thursday.

The lawmaker said, “Governor Mutfwang, at Tuesday’s plenary, sought the House’s approval for N5.7bn as the 2024 supplementary, which was increased after upward review by the legislators.”

He continued, “The House leader, Joseph Bukar, presented the bill during our plenary. While soliciting the support of members for speedy passage, he said PLASIEC was running out of time in preparation for the election.”

“In their individual contributions, Hon. Kalamu Dal suggested a downward review of the budget size, while Hon. Daniel Nanbol urged for a critical review and deliberations. Afterwards, members approved a revised sum of N5.8bn, as opposed to the N5.7bn requested.”

The increase, as explained by Bukar, was due to an increase in security allocation for the election, from N2.7m to N4.2m. “So, that is what happened, and that is where we are at the moment regarding the forthcoming LG election,” the lawmaker concluded.

News

Enugu, Kwara tighten security ahead of LG polls

Published

2 hours ago

September 20, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Security measures have been intensified in Enugu and Kwara states ahead of their Local Government elections scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.

In Enugu State, the Police Command has pledged to ensure the safety of lives and properties during the elections.

However, the peace accord signing for the elections was marred by the absence of major parties like the Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress, and Labour Party.

Only representatives from the All Progressives Grand Alliance and Accord attended but chose not to sign the accord, citing the lack of participation from the leading parties.

Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, said all wards and flashpoints had been identified, and security personnel would be on high alert to prevent any disruptions.

The Chairman of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission, Prof. Chris Ngwu, said the commission was fully prepared for the elections with the support of the state government in procuring necessary materials.

In Kwara State, security agencies have been actively coordinating to ensure a smooth electoral process.

Over 3,000 personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have been deployed across the state.

The Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission has completed arrangements for a trouble-free election.

Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, reported that a strategic meeting with heads of various security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and others, had been held to ensure coordinated efforts for maintaining law and order.

The Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, guaranteed maximum security for the election period.

The NSCDC Commandant, Dr. Umar Mohammed, announced the deployment of 3,000 personnel to various polling units and emphasised their role in preventing violence, ballot snatching, and other disruptions.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, Telumun Tombowua, announced on Thursday that eight political parties will participate in the upcoming LG elections in the state, scheduled for October 5, 2024.

Addressing journalists in Makurdi, Tombowua said the election would be conducted fairly and transparently.

He emphasised that the law establishing the BSIEC does not permit the use of Bimodal Voter Accreditation Machines for this election.

Regarding the APC, Tombowua confirmed that the National Working Committee of the party had requested the commission to work with the seven-man caretaker committee appointed to oversee party affairs in the state.

He noted that while 14 parties had initially shown interest, only eight completed the necessary processes and submitted their candidates.