A CHRAJ investigator, Isabella, has cautioned parents against over-pampering their children, warning that excessive indulgence can produce adults who struggle with responsibility, accountability and accepting correction.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s Nyansapo Fie, hosted by Akosua Gyamfua, Isabella explained that children who are constantly shielded from discipline and the consequences of their actions are more likely to reject criticism and become defensive whenever they are corrected.
According to her, such individuals often develop a sense of entitlement, expect things to always go their way and find it difficult to take responsibility for their mistakes.
She stressed that while parents naturally love and care for their children, they must be careful not to equate love with excessive indulgence. Instead, she said, children need consistent guidance, discipline and appropriate correction to grow into responsible and well-rounded adults.
Referring to Ghana’s Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), Isabella noted that parents and guardians have both a legal and moral responsibility to protect their children, provide them with education and ensure their overall development. She explained that under the Act, a child is any person below the age of 18, while individuals aged 18 and above are legally regarded as adults.
She emphasized that every parenting decision should be guided by the best interest of the child, adding that appropriate discipline is an essential part of healthy child development. While acknowledging that every child has a unique temperament and personality, she urged parents to understand their children’s individual needs rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach to parenting.
Isabella further observed that many of the behavioural challenges among young people today—including indiscipline, irresponsibility and a lack of respect for authority—can often be traced to poor parenting and weak foundations at home. Although she admitted that some children may still go astray despite receiving good parental guidance, she maintained that the family remains the primary institution responsible for shaping a child’s character and values.
She also encouraged parents to adapt their parenting methods to meet the realities of today’s world instead of relying solely on approaches used by previous generations. In particular, she urged parents to have open, honest and age-appropriate conversations about sexual and reproductive health with their children, stressing that the home—not schools or peers—should be the first place where children learn about their bodies, personal boundaries and responsible decision-making.
By: Ernest Kumi
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