adminDECENT shelter, maximum protection from all forms of abuse and sound education are some of the basics children require in life.
These are not privileges but rights as enshrined in the laws of the land.
Children’s rights are taken seriously, including here in Zimbabwe, since the kids represent future leaders and generations.
It’s not a favour by a parent/guardian to provide for these basic needs but it is a requirement, which should never be dodged.
Failure to perform these duties does not only bring shame but has even landed many behind bars.
However, there are some parents who need to be dragged to the maintenance courts for them to start performing their roles.
During court cases, some men even produce fake payslips to avoid paying maintenance, while others offer peanuts.
All these tricks are done to evade paying child support, which is unfortunate.
Such cases happen when the fathers are either reckless with their earnings or are spending them on booze and prostitutes.
On a daily basis, we carry stories about such issues where irresponsible fathers are always dragged to court for failing to look after their children.
In most cases, the fathers would have deserted their families to cohabit with girlfriends.
There are also some fathers who simply don’t know their priorities.
In the worst case scenario, there are some fathers who are just too lazy to fend for their families.
It’s both sad and regrettable when such cases spill into the civil courts.
Once one starts thinking of having children, it should be noted that it comes with some responsibility.
A real man should not wait to be reminded to take care of his family but rather work hard to bring food on the table.
In cases where unemployment can be a factor, responsible fathers should always find a way through the challenges.
As they say, we should not put all our eggs in one basket but rather improvise.
When Covid-19 struck, and induced lockdowns, we didn’t just sleep at home but we devised ways of surviving under the challenges we were now facing.
While some lost jobs and major opportunities, due to the pandemic, responsible fathers discovered new talents they had been sitting on over the years.
As such, men should multi-task, be accountable and innovative to break new barriers.
Men should always come out of their comfort zones to take new risks.
However, these adventures should not be of a criminal nature but simply trying other tasks, within the provisions of the law.
As parents, we should consider it a privilege that we have a very important role to fend and provide for our families.
We should consider it a privilege that we are toiling day and night to ensure that we give shelter and food to the next generation of our family trees.
It should excite us that we are serving our children and we are proud of the tasks we are carrying.
That is what parenthood is all about and that is why it is special.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter