So the last time I spoke to us about raising a “proudly” Naija kid in light of all that is happening daily. I’m sure some would have read the post and wondered how to do that when even we as parents are fast losing our pride in the country as well. But really, as tough as things are, it cannot be that bad. I believe it’s a question of perspective that is, seeing the glass as half full rather than half empty because really and truly things can be a lot worse than it is right now but it isn’t.
I like what someone said, though not in relation to the subject matter, she said and I quote;
‘’The faithfulness of God is not only in what God does but also what God did not allow to happen’’.
Before cynics are quick to dismiss this as another article alluding everything to God including governance, one thing we definitely cannot rule out is that bad as it seems, there are still things that one can be thankful and proud of as Nigerians. This we can let our children be aware of. In this post, I have tried to highlight a few of my personal tips on how to raise our children to be proud of our dear country, Nigeria.
- Our resilient nature as a people: Remember the street slogan, ‘Naija no dey carry last.
We will be doing our children a great service if we keep drumming into their ears about the resilient and industrious nature of Nigerians. Point out the business savvy nature of Nigerians, how we are able to still remain standing no matter the obstacle or difficulties we may face. Remember, the whole point is to get them to see the glass as been at least half full or maybe less than half in your opinion, but certainly not empty.
- Our rich cultural heritage: My parents did a good job of this for which I must commend them. My mum in particular used to regale us with stories about the rich culture of the Binis so much that in my University days, I was quite stuck on the idea of getting married to a Bini man. But sadly, (maybe not), I did not get anyone from there to even ask me out on a date not to talk of proposing. Well, this is a digression but it’s to give you an idea of how much I fell in love with them just from the stories my mum told me. Imagine saying this to your children especially using the various slogans of the state and why each state is known by that slogan. Here are a few for instance:
- Ekiti -‘Fountain of knowledge’
- Cross River – ‘The Nation’s Paradise’
- Benue – ‘Nigeria’s Food Basket’
- Osun – ‘State of the Living Spring’
- Lagos – ‘Centre of Excellence
- Local vacation instead of travelling abroad: Hello!!! Did I hear someone say? I was impressed when I stumbled on some pictures Tara Fela-Durotoye shared on her Instagram page on spending summer with her sons right here in Lagos and she aptly tagged it #SummerinLagos. You do not need to travel abroad on vacation every time sometimes do local travel. As a matter of fact, this has even become quite expedient with the way ticket rates have skyrocketed. Exploring the Country also helps the children see their Country in a different light, different from what they know and see of it every day. Beautiful resorts abound all around the country that can truly give the desired rejuvenation and rest that we seek from taking a holiday. Someone once joked that some children only know the Island part of Lagos and the only part of the mainland they know is the way to the International airport.
I believe Moses in the Bible was better able to identify with his people, the Israelites even though he was living and enjoying the affluence of the palace in Egypt because his mother (though undercover) who also doubled as his nanny must have told him about his roots. True knowledge they say is power.
I am of the opinion that the more we feed our children with the right dose of information about their country while also putting things in the proper perspective, the more we will succeed to instil in them the spirit of patriotism. If Moses did not know enough about his people he would not have chosen to readily stand up and identify with them even to his own detriment. This was what he did when he fought and killed an Egyptian that was oppressing an Israelite before going into exile. Do we know if it’s from this present generation of children that our own crop of Moses too will arise? Think about this for a moment.
- Positive words of confession: As hard as it may seem, it goes without saying that we need to keep hope alive and keep confessing the right words about our dear Country particularly to the hearing of our children. Our words are powerful and even more so the words from the lips of these little ones. This just reminds me of that scripture which says;
‘’Out of the mouth of babes and ducklings, hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies…’’ Psalm 8:2a(KJV)
I believe Nigeria will be better again. I believe it will happen in our time and in the lifetime of our children. I believe our children can regardless of the circumstance boldly declare with pride in their hearts while beating their chests; ‘God Bless Nigeria!!!’
Toyin Akinlade is a 21st Century Parenting Enthusiast, an inspirational blogger and business woman. You can read the many other thoughts that run through her mind on www.tythotville.blogspot.com.ng
