Supportive Parenting Begets Healthy Children

Participants at the ‘Dads Cookout Battle’, which is one of a series of events organised by UNICEF to mark this year’s Parenting Month emphasised the importance of both parents “showing up, standing together and consistently being equally active” in the lives of their children. This, they said, would have a positive impact on the mental health of children as well as share the burden of caring for the children.

The acting UNICEF Representative, Pontsho Sepoloane said without proper support given to caregivers, parenting could be harmful to parents and children, especially in many cultures, where parenting is often left to mothers. Sepoloane said this then puts an uneven burden on another parent. She said parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world, as it comes with more responsibilities and stress than most jobs. “This year’s Parenting Month is a key moment to support caregivers’ well-being and mental health. We also advocate for family-friendly policies, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding support, access to affordable quality childcare and child benefits to support working parents,” Sepoloane said.