The concept of parenting is one with diverse definitions across households. It occupied center stage in the Afternoon show’s episode with the unique brains: Sean Atitsogbe (The Science kid) and Nana Afua.
In Ghana particularly, the modes of parenting differ due to various factors which include personal ideologies, environmental, as well cultural and societal factors. Other parenting styles are influenced by the child’s characteristics. As children develop, their parents tend to adapt to their approaches.
Nurturing young and exceptionally sharp brains as Nana Afua and Sean Atitsogbe would not be an easy task. Their deeper sense of curiosity could cause parents to wonder what their source is.
While sharing her incredible story, Nana Afua’s mum mentions on the TV3 Afternoon show, some of the strange questions the six-year-old bombards her with.
“I had him after waiting twelve years in marriage”, Sean’s mother recounted.
Owing to the circumstances surrounding the conception of these wonder kids, a regular parent could tend to be protective and keenly guarding their traces in life. However, their mothers adapted to their unique characteristics. “I give her the necessary freedom she needs to work on her craft. I transition from leniency when I have to “, Nana Afua’s mum narrated.
“In a typical Ghanaian household, Sean would have been tagged “mpanins3m” as a result of his curiosity and interest in educational content deemed to be higher for his age. But together with his dad, I give him the maximum support” – Sean’s mother.
Mrs. Atitsogbe explained that she could relate to her son’s unique way of life because, she exhibited similar traits at such tender age which influenced her parent’s nurturing style. With a child like Sean, she narrated how she agreed with her husband to stop her work and stay committed to her son. She highlights that it was not an easy task depending on just one source of income, but it was worth the sacrifice.
Both mothers explained that nurturing children should not always be done the overly strict way, as this would not give the children the drive to dive in and explore the unique abilities they have been blessed with.
Though a child’s socialization is a collective responsibility of society, it should not be done in such a way that it intimidates the child and lowers their esteem.
The mothers concluded by advising other parents to observe their children’s skills and adapt to more comprehensive approaches of dealing with children to make modern parenting phenomenal.
By Gideon Agyemang
