A UK-based legal practitioner, Dele Olawanle, has advised parents to prioritize active involvement in their children’s upbringing over the pursuit of material wealth, warning that modern societal influences pose significant challenges to child development.
Olawanle, who shared his thoughts in a post on X and obtained by AllNAIJA DIASPORA, reflected on the contrast between past and present parenting conditions.
He noted that the absence of social media during his own childhood made parenting less complicated, unlike today, where peer pressure, digital platforms, and external influences significantly impact young minds.
“Back then, raising children was simpler. Today, social media and external pressures are constant intrusions in a child’s life,” he said.
Emphasizing the importance of parental presence, Olawanle recalled advice given to him by a medical professional when he began raising his children.
“Our GP told us that having one parent available at home was more important than money.
He warned that if both parents were constantly working and absent, children might pick up harmful behaviors without early correction,” he explained.
He stressed that while financial stability is important, it should not come at the expense of parental responsibility.
“We must not leave our children at the mercy of childminders, after-school clubs, or neighbors with questionable influence,” he cautioned.
According to him, the long-term success and well-being of children depend on the sacrifices parents are willing to make today.
“Money, houses, and flashy cars are not everything. The future of our children is what truly matters,” he added.
Olawanle, known for his advocacy and motivational insights, urged parents to reevaluate their priorities and invest more time in nurturing their children, especially in an era where external distractions are more prevalent than ever.
