Emphasizing the critical role of safeguarding parenting and family values, Martin Kiiza, the executive director of the National Children’s Authority (NCA), asserted that prioritizing these aspects could address numerous emerging societal challenges. Speaking at the inauguration of the second edition of the Baby and Kids Expo held at the Kati Kati Bar and Restaurant last week, where he served as the chief guest, Kiiza highlighted the necessity of cherishing the family unit, underscoring its significance as the bedrock of human advancement. He warned against the repercussions of negligent parenting, citing the potential for violence, child neglect, and abandonment within society.
“Recognizing the child as a multifaceted individual and ensuring their protection is paramount. We mustn’t underestimate the importance of the family,” stressed Kiiza, emphasizing that all societal progress stems from the family unit and should therefore be revered as such.
Joweria Nabuuma, the managing director of Kiara Events Limited, the organizing body behind the Baby and Kids Expo, outlined the event’s objectives, aiming to convene children, parents, and stakeholders to deliberate on children’s well-being and development. Scheduled to take place from May 10 to 12, 2024, at the UMA Show Grounds in Kampala, this year’s expo intends to celebrate children’s wellness and happiness while focusing on education, innovation, and entertainment. Nabuuma emphasized that the event provides a platform for families, experts, and exhibitors to explore the latest trends in parenting, child development, and early childhood education.
“This year, our goal is to enhance the experience for attendees, fostering opportunities for families to connect, learn, and engage in enjoyable activities that are both educational and entertaining. With a rising demand for baby and child-related products across the region, the expo serves as a vital platform for exhibitors to directly engage with their audience, offering insights and exclusive deals on a wide array of products catering to babies, kids, and expectant mothers,” stated Nabuuma.
Highlighting the importance of parental mental health, Gloria Aminat Aketch, founder of the Mental Health Wellness Project Bora Minds Foundation, underscored the adverse effects of stress on parents’ physical and mental well-being as they navigate the challenges of the mental health treatment system. Aketch noted a growing prevalence of mental health challenges among parents, attributing it to a lack of awareness among Ugandans, compounded by the unnoticed deterioration of mental health until it becomes debilitating.
Mental health professionals advocate for parents’ involvement in evidence-based therapies to address their children’s mental health issues effectively. Such involvement offers an opportunity to address the anxiety and stress experienced by adult caregivers, primarily parents. For instance, parent-child interaction therapy equips parents with skills to manage their child’s behavior, mitigating the risk of future psychological issues. However, Aketch cautioned that while such interventions benefit the child, they may not directly address the parent’s mental health needs, underscoring the importance of proactive measures to safeguard parental well-being.
Aketch emphasized the interconnectedness of parental and child well-being, warning that parents’ deteriorating physical and mental health could exacerbate their child’s condition. Hence, parents are urged to prioritize their mental health, recognizing themselves as their child’s most valuable resource.
