Parenting is one of the most challenging responsibilities anyone can take on. It is not just about bringing children into the world but about nurturing, guiding, and protecting them as they grow. Unfortunately, some parents fail in their responsibilities, and while it is easy to judge them, the reasons are often deeper and more complex than they seem.
Many parents genuinely try their best, but sometimes their efforts are not enough. Providing for a family requires more than just meeting financial needs. While money plays a big role in raising children, paying school fees, buying food, and covering basic needs; children also need love, time, and emotional support. Sadly, some parents are so caught up in trying to survive that they have little time left for their children. Society places enormous pressure on parents, especially fathers, who are often seen as the main providers. Many fathers go through silent battles, struggling to make ends meet, yet their pain and sacrifices are rarely acknowledged.
A friend once said he could only try his best and would not kill himself for any child. His words reflect the reality that sometimes, even when parents give all they have, it still feels like it is not enough. Some parents were also not raised with love or proper guidance, so they lack the tools to raise their own children well. It is hard to give what you never received unless you make a deliberate effort to change. This is why some parents neglect their children, believing that since they survived without much support, their children will also find their way. Unfortunately, this mindset is damaging and creates a cycle of brokenness in society.
There are also cases where parents have children beyond their capacity to raise. Some people believe you must have two or three children in case something happens to one. While that belief is common, it sometimes leads to having more children than a family can properly care for, stretching resources and attention thin.
Neglect is one of the most dangerous forms of parental failure. It is not only about leaving a child hungry or without clothes, but also about not being emotionally present or aware of what is happening in the child’s life. A disturbing case I heard of recently involved a young boy who was sleeping with two sisters, aged 9 and 7, in the same house where their parents lived. This situation is heartbreaking and raises many questions. Who should be blamed, the boy, the minors, or the parents? While the boy’s actions are evil, it also shows a lack of supervision and awareness from the parents. If they had been more attentive, perhaps this abuse could have been prevented.
Evil acts like this often happen in homes where children feel unseen and unheard. When parents fail to pay attention, children become vulnerable to predators, sometimes even within their own homes.
Parenting goes beyond providing food and shelter. It is about creating a safe environment where children feel loved, protected, and guided. While no parent is perfect, every parent must be deliberate about being present and attentive. Society also needs to provide better support systems for families because when parents fail, the whole community suffers.