Ways we encourage our parents during this trying period in the country

Pupils of Barokallahu Nursery & Primary School, Ori-Eru Alarobo area, Dizengoff bus stop, Iwo-Road, Ibadan, explain what roles they play in encouraging and supporting their parents as they struggle with the harsh economic situation in the country.

Amir Aderemi, 10 yrs old

I am aware of the situation of things in Nigeria, so I do some things in my own little way to encourage my parents. I go to my mother’s shop at weekends to help her attend to her customers. I relief her of stress by so doing. This makes her happy.

Amira Tewogbade, 9 yrs old

I encourage my parents by praying for them especially when there is a need to be met at home. I lift their spirit when I assure them that God will provide for us. ‘God will bless you’ has also become my slogan. For example, when school resumed this term and my parents were worried about the payment of my school fees, I prayed for them and they in turn thanked me for the encouragement. In addition, I run every errand they sent me as quickly as I can in order not to get them angry.

Abudullhi Jubril, 9 yrs old

I ask my parents how they are faring always. I obey their instructions and do not put up any form of misbehaviour. I also read my books and do my homework. I will ensure I do not fail my examinations because that would make them unhappy.

Halimah Akinwemimo, 8 yrs old

I study my parents’ mood. Therefore, anytime it appears they are troubled, I advise them to take things easy and also assure them that all will be well.

Rohoofah Osundina, 9 yrs old

My mum is a civil servant while my dad works outside the town. Week days are usually busy for mum, but I ensure she creates time for me at weekends especially Fridays when we do have mother-daughter talk.

I make her laugh when we have such talk. As for my dad, I ask after his welfare as often as possible and tell him that I miss him. I notice that he is always excited when he responds to this. He tells me that he misses me too. I do not only make demands of my parents, I want to be sure that they are fine. I enjoy keeping my mum’s company since my dad is not always around during the week. She prays for me in the morning after I ask about her night rest.

Nimot Adelakun, 8 yrs old

Anytime I see my parents disturbed, I feel disturbed too even if they would not let me into what they are going through. I, therefore, do all in my ability to make them happy through my studies, behaviour, and the like.

Faridah Saheed, 10 yrs old

I understand that my parents work hard to earn money in order to pay my school fees. So, I do all that is expected of me in school and at home in order to encourage them. Whenever my mother returns from her business activities, it has become a part of me to ask about sales made that day. I do not wait a second before asking my father what the matter is immediately I observe he looks dull.

Abulazeez Abdulrahman, 11 yrs old

I talk to my parents. I ask them questions and make positive confessions about their businesses because the family’s needs are met through their businesses. Aside school work, I do anything assigned to me by my parents with diligence.

Khadijat Rafiu, 7 yrs old

I encourage my parents by giving them the respect due to them. I do not delay in whatever they want me to do and I say prayers on their behalf as many times as possible.

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