By Ediri Ejoh & Tare Youdeowei

THE coordinator and founder of Mothers’ Summit, under the auspice of Funke Adejumo Foundation, Rev. Funke Adejumo, has clamoured for the need for parents to continuously map out quality time for their children to teach and guide them in the right direction in life, adding that a preserved childhood is better than a repaired adulthood.

Disclosing this at the Mothers’ Summit 2014 held recently in Lagos, Adejumo said there is need for parents to pray and teach children the pre-requisite skills to enable them overcome the temptations in society.

Teaching of basic principles

Her words; “It is a pity that some parents have failed in the upbringing of their children. Some mothers do not have the time to monitor and teach their children basic principles about life, not to mention fathers who have become absent in the upbringing of children simply because they feel their contribution should be only financial.

“The various institutions as well as the Sunday school lessons created by churches for learning cannot take the place of a parent in the molding of the child.”

To address the challenges affecting women in the society, she explained that; “the Mothers’ Summit is an avenue for mothers and intending mothers to come together and pray for their children and to know God’s plan and purpose in their lives with a vision of nation building.

“We however make it a priority to educate the mothers on important aspects of life by placing value on the female folk and moral lessons that would conform to our culture and way of life. It is important that they be thought spiritually to know the standards of God and have a relationship with God.”

Speaking in the same vein, Pastor Bola Olawole, said this is the fifth edition of the conference with over 4000 in attendance. “We had started with over 500 women when we first started. It is to show that mothers understand the importance of praying for their children and they have had course to testify of the benefit it has brought.”

Reverend Adejumo further added that; “We sensitize the mothers on the need to educate the girls early on sex. When this is not done, the society, peers and television would impact on them negatively. We need to teach our daughters about virginity and how well to appreciate themselves and be dignified in it by not falling for cheap talk or money.

“The vision is prayer majorly, with some teaching that would enable mothers go back home and put the child in order for a better nation.

She further stated that that parents may not have enough time to teach their children or wards on a daily basis, but should ensure whatever time is spent, is quality time. Her words; “You may not have all day or hours to talk to your children, but you must create a little time everyday to impart them positively. If you want to be present in the life of your child in the future, you must be present now.”

To this end, she urged women to shun numerical delivery of children but ensure that they not just bare children but also raise them. It is advisable for a mother to know the number of children that she can bare and rear as well, instead of given birth and not taking adequate responsibility to train that child.”