Online Reporter
LISTENING to parents means respecting their advice, understanding their wisdom and considering their perspectives when making life decisions. It also involves respecting their boundaries and values, even if you don’t agree with everything they say.
It is generally good to listen to your parents, as they have valuable life experience and want your well-being. All the parents want the best for their children. They wish to see you doing well after graduating from the university, to get married and have a happy life.
Why it’s important to listen
to your parents
Experience and wisdom
Your parents have likely faced many challenges and learned valuable lessons over their lifetime. Their advice can be based on this experience and can be helpful in navigating your own journey.
Best interests
Parents generally have your well-being and future in mind when offering advice. They may see things that you don’t, and their guidance can help you avoid mistakes or make better choices. If they tell you something, please listen.
Building trust and respect
Listening to your parents, even when you disagree, demonstrates respect for their authority and builds stronger relationships. Respect the fact that they don’t want you to drink alcohol while at school. They don’t want you to smoke or play with bad friends, respect that. They don’t want you to be involved in sexual relationships, follow their advice.
Respecting their boundaries and values
It’s important to respect their boundaries and the values they instil, even if you choose to make different decisions later on. Parents will teach you how to dress, how to talk to elders and how to behave in public. If they want you to be indoors by 5pm, listen to that. If they want you to go to church every Saturday or Sunday, follow that.
Honouring them
Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be long. They might be poor, rich or old — respect them. This is very important. If you want to enjoy your days as a youth and always have peace, listen to your parents.
If you want to be stressed and always bitter, violate the advice from your parents.
Remember, the choices you make today, have a bearing on your future. What you plant today, it’s what you harvest tomorrow.
Dr Manners Msongelwa is an author, teacher and youth coach. He can be contacted on +263 771 019 392
