BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE- Parents and guardians have been encouraged to take an active role in their children’s safety during the holidays by knowing where they go, who they visit and the environments they spend time in.
The call was made by Nokuthula Vilakati from the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) Community Safety at Malkerns, who highlighted the importance of positive parenting in protecting children and helping them make safe choices.
Vilakati said parents should remain aware of the places their children visit, particularly during school holidays when children have more time to socialise with friends, visit relatives and spend time away from home.
“There should be positive parenting. Let us be aware as parents of the places our children are visiting,” she said.
Her message highlights the importance of parents being present in their children’s lives, not only by providing for them, but also by understanding their daily experiences and the people and environments they encounter.
For many children, visiting friends or relatives is a normal and enjoyable part of the holidays. However, Vilakati said parents can help make these experiences safer by knowing the households their children visit and being familiar with the people they spend time with.
Positive parenting also involves open communication. Parents can create a supportive relationship by listening to their children, discussing safety openly and providing guidance on how to respond when they find themselves in uncomfortable or unfamiliar situations.
Vilakati’s message also points to the role of the wider community in protecting children. Safe communities are built when families work together and adults take an interest in the wellbeing of children around them.
Rather than limiting children’s freedom, parental awareness provides guidance while allowing children to enjoy their holidays responsibly.
The REPS Community Safety message was summed up by the Swati saying, “Kuphepha kwam, kuphepha kwakho, kuphepha kwesive,” reinforcing the idea that individual safety contributes to the safety of the wider community and nation.
As the holidays continue, parents and guardians are encouraged to keep communication with their children open and to take simple steps to understand where they are going and who they will be with.
A safe holiday begins with awareness, communication and positive parenting helping children enjoy their time away from school while growing in confidence and responsibility.
#PositiveParenting #ChildSafety #SafeHolidays #EswatiniPositiveNews
(Courtesy Pic)
