Good Old Times Parenting: Walk Down The Memory Lane
Trip Down the Memory Lane
Hey bold reader, for the sake of truth and all things timeless, if you clicked on this post you are most likely an old timer. (Pun intended). But whatever the case may be, let’s take a trip down the memory lane and revisit the African culture and values that shaped who we are today.Join me in reflecting on the past and quite frankly draw from the timeless values we learned. I honestly think there are some we should pass on to our children. So grab favorite your drink and let’s start this journey together!
A Rich Cultural Heritage
Growing up in Africa, I vividly remember the rich culture of community and love. Life was not hurried, and everyone felt like family. I recall a Kikuyu proverb, “KAMUINGI KOYAGA NDIRI,” which translates to ‘all hands on deck and collaboration’ to achieve a common goal. This saying encapsulates how people in the community pooled their resources to meet needs, whether it was hospital bills, sending a bright kid to higher education, or covering funeral expenses. When there was a need, the community showed up, period.
Communication in the Good Old Days
Without modern phones, news spread through word of mouth or by sending an older sibling with a letter across town—a journey that could take 2 or 3 days. Believe it or not, community news would spread like wildfire. This method worked well for celebrations and other life-related needs, but it sometimes made us wish for more privacy and less community oversight.
The Role of Community in Parenting
Allow me to explain.When it came to Good Old Times Parenting, the same authority one parent had over their kids was the same they had over the neighbor’s kids. Talk about community parenting at its finest. This approach instilled a sense of responsibility and respect for the elderly. You could be disciplined by another parent walking down the road if they saw you misbehaving. Then, they would report the same to your parents, and you would be further disciplined. This way, all parents ensured that every child behaved well and in the right places, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibilities.
The Church and Spiritual Guidance
The church also played a significant role in our upbringing. Most of us in East Africa are regular churchgoers, and Sundays were not just about attending services; they were a time to honor God and engage with our community. The church was a nurturing environment where children received spiritual support, godly guidance, and mentorship.
The Consequences of Skipping Sunday School
Of course, kids will always be kids. There were days when we dreaded attending Sunday school. If another parent saw you loitering instead of being in church, they wouldn’t hesitate to discipline you, sending you straight to Sunday school and reporting back to your parents. Years later, I’m grateful for those inconveniences as they partly shaped who I am today.
Lessons from the Good Old Times
I can recall most of the stories and lessons I was taught during those formative years. They formed a solid foundation of godly values, faith, and morals. Many of us old-timers can relate to this shared experience. We understand who God is, know the basic stories from the Bible, and have valuable lessons from those days ingrained in us.
A Challenge for Today’s Parents
My challenge to all of us as parents today is to consider whether we can find the time, amidst our busy schedules and the demands of parenting in this digital age, to instill the same godly values and morals in our children. Will our children reflect on their upbringing 30 or 40 years from now and say they are glad we introduced them to the church?Related: How To Teach Your Kids About Money
Reflection on Good Old Times Parenting
Years later, I am grateful for those inconveniences because they have partly shaped who I am today. Truthfully, I can remember most, if not all, of the stories and lessons I was taught. These stories formed a solid foundation for godly values, faith, and morals. Most of us old-timers can say that, too. We understand who God is, the Bible’s basic stories, and the valuable lessons from those days.My challenge to all of us as parents is whether we can make time amidst our busy schedules and the unique demands of Good Old Times Parenting in a digital age to instill the same godly values and morals in our children during their formative years.
A Call to Action
Thoughtfully answer these questions: Will our children say the same of us 30 or 40 years from now? Are we ready to sacrifice for them in their formative years? So, like us, they would say, “I am glad I was introduced to the church.”I am well familiar with our schedules and unique needs these days, but is this truly our excuse? Share your honest thoughts.
Here are two additional resources:
