Parenmark Consulting@8: Redefining parenting, fatherhood for better future

In a world where the dynamics of parenting are constantly evolving, one man’s passion for family, fatherhood, and holistic parenting education has created a ripple effect across Nigeria and beyond. Mr. Akinropo Akinola, founder of Parenmark Consulting, shares the remarkable journey of his organization as it celebrates its 8th anniversary. Since its establishment in January 2017, Parenmark Consulting has been at the forefront of transforming parenting through innovative workshops, community programs, and a deep focus on redefining cultural norms, particularly around fatherhood.

In this interview, Mr. Akinropo Akinola opens up about the inspiration behind Parenmark, the challenges faced, and the significant milestones achieved over the years. He delves into the critical issues modern parents grapple with, the societal expectations shaping parenting in Africa, and the tools Parenmark provides to empower families. As he reflects on the transformative success stories and envisions a global impact in the coming decade, his insights offer a beacon of hope for families striving to raise emotionally intelligent, value-driven children.

 What inspired you to establish Parenmark, and what was the initial vision for the organization?

Mr Akinola Akinropo: Parenmark consulting was established in January 2017 and the inspiration to birth this was out of my deep-seated passion for fatherhood, parenting and family life and my realization of the gaps in parenting support and education. As a father and parenting coach, I saw how cultural and societal shifts were creating new challenges for parents, often leaving them overwhelmed. The vision for Parenmark has always been to empower parents with the tools, resources, and emotional intelligence needed to raise well-rounded, emotionally healthy children. We aim to redefine the role of parenting in shaping societies and inspire families to embrace their unique roles in creating strong, value-driven communities.

Over the past eight years, what have been the most significant challenges and milestones in your journey with Parenmark?

Mr Akinola Akinropo: Our journey has been both challenging and rewarding. One significant challenge has been overcoming cultural stereotypes, particularly around fatherhood, and convincing parents of the need for continuous learning. However, milestones like hosting impactful conferences, reaching thousands through our books, and seeing families transformed through our programs have been incredibly fulfilling. I recall prior to the incorporation of Parenmark consulting; we needed to reach out to parents; crisscrossing schools in southwest Nigeria, propagating the gospel of parenting and fatherhood. We wanted people to accept our message. So, we took a step of faith forward by commencing a free monthly parenting conference in a hotel. This was a herculean task for my family. Lots of many questions race through our minds (my wife and I) “Where will the fund to finance this come”? “how will people hear the program for them to come?” “the logistics and all” With our vision, the intention was clear and our energy was deployed towards the success. As they say; where the passion and focus go, energy flows because the aim was to inspire parents to attend. We did this free from three years; April 2014 (Easter period) to I think around June 2017. My wife and I put resources together to fund this project. We didn’t want to levy any parent. It was free, and we still provided materials for them. But one memorable moment I won’t forget was when our flagship program on fatherhood in 2018 earned nationwide recognition, leading to greater advocacy for active father involvement.

Parenting has evolved over the years. What are the most critical issues modern parents face, and how does Parenmark address them?

Mr Akinola Akinropo: Modern parents grapple first, with shaking off from the culture and tradition that seeded many parents, secondly, balancing work and family life, thirdly, managing technology’s influence on children, and addressing mental health challenges. Parenmark addresses these issues by offering practical workshops, personalized coaching, and community support groups. Primarily, we want parents to look into the culture and tradition they were raised with through the prism of reality of the day because I believe none of the cultures that was handed over to us several decades and centuries ago was without the inputs of ancestors, so they were not devoid of their biases and preferences. We addressed through mind re-engineering. Our approach combines time-tested cultures, traditions, and principles with modern strategies, ensuring parents are equipped to handle both traditional and emerging challenges effectively.

You place a unique emphasis on fathering. Why is this area important to you, and what impact have you seen from engaging fathers more actively in parenting?

Mr Akinola Akinropo: Fathers are often seen primarily as providers, at least that part of the culture I spoke about that was handed to us to the detriment of paying attention to their emotional and nurturing roles. I believe that when fathers are actively involved, families become more balanced, and children thrive emotionally and socially. Through our fatherhood programs, we’ve witnessed remarkable transformations—fathers reconnecting with their children, mending strained relationships, and becoming more intentional about their roles in the family. This focus has been central to Parenmark’s mission of redefining parenting dynamics.

 Can you share a memorable success story or testimonial that highlights Parenmark’s impact on a family?

Mr Akinola Akinropo: I shared many of these success stories in my latest book; PATHWAY TO FATHERHOOD, but one success story that stands out is that of a father who attended one of our workshops. He had been distant from his teenage daughter for 18 years he had fathered her, and their relationship was strained. After the session of Restorative Fatherhood Therapy (RFT), he implemented what he learned about trust, communication and empathy among others. A year later, he shared how their relationship had improved dramatically, they were now spending quality time together, and his daughter felt more comfortable sharing her struggles. Stories like these affirm our belief in the transformative power of intentional parenting.

How do cultural and societal expectations in Nigeria (or Africa) shape parenting, and how does Parenmark navigate these dynamics?

Mr Akinola Akinropo: In Africa, parenting is heavily influenced by cultural norms, I explained this earlier, that often place the bulk of caregiving on mothers while expecting fathers to focus solely on financial provision. I am sure you have heard this before; mothers are home makers. This dynamic can limit the holistic development of children. At Parenmark consulting, we navigate these challenges by encouraging conversations around shared parenting, offering culturally sensitive programs, and encouraging parents to embrace their roles as partners in raising the next generation.

What specific tools, programs, or strategies does Parenmark consulting offer to help parents become more effective and impactful?

Mr Akinola Akinropo: Parenmark provides a range of tools, including parenting workshops, one-on-one coaching, counselling and therapy, then we have resource materials, books like “Daddy, Where Are You?, “Mummy, no excuses,” Pathway To Fatherhood” and digital resources for effective fatherhood and modern parenting. Our programs emphasize emotional intelligence, communication, and building strong relationships. We also provide practical guides on managing technology, fostering resilience in children, and creating healthy family traditions.

 In an age dominated by technology, how can parents balance its influence on their children and family life?

Mr Akinola Akinropo: Technology in its raw state is neutral and it is also a double-edged sword. While it offers incredible opportunities for learning and connection, it can also be a source of distraction and conflict. We encourage parents to model healthy technology use, establish clear boundaries, and prioritize face-to-face interactions. Our workshops provide practical strategies for integrating technology into family life without allowing it to overshadow core values and relationships.

What advice would you give to individuals who are passionate about strengthening families or creating impactful social initiatives?

Mr Akinola Akinropo: Start with a clear vision and a passion for impact. Building a movement like Parenmark consulting requires resilience, as challenges will come. Collaborate with others; belong to a parenting community who shares your goals, and focus on creating solutions that address real and family needs. I will also like to remind them that every small step counts and they should not be timid to celebrate that steps bearing in mind their success counts and has a ripple effect on communities and societies; when a child is raised properly, the child, the society, and the entire world are the beneficiaries

As Parenmark consulting celebrates its 8th anniversary, what are your hopes and plans for the organization’s future in the next five or ten years?

Mr Akinola Akinropo: The future of Parenmark consulting is bright. We aim to expand our reach globally, leveraging technology to offer virtual parenting programs and in-person programs as the case may be. We also plan to collaborate with schools, organizations, and governments to create policies that support families. In the next decade, I envision Parenmark consulting as a leading voice in parenting education, continuing to transform families, one home at a time. Our purpose remains the same; to help parents create a model for healthier relationship with themselves and the children they lead.