The Value of Parental Presence: Parenting Beyond Provision Balancing Parenthood and Work.
Parents are being reminded that raising children goes beyond providing food, school fees, and other basic needs. Winnfred Mugambwa, Executive Director of Rights 4 Her Uganda says children also need parents who are present, who listen, and who actively participate in their lives. We spoke to parents from different walks of life on how they are balancing the demands of work and parenting.
For many parents, the daily struggle to provide food, education, and a better future for their children often means spending long hours away from home.
But Winnfred Mugambwa, Executive Director of Rights 4 Her Uganda says parenting is about more than meeting children's material needs. She says children need parents who are emotionally available, willing to listen and intentional about building lasting relationships with them.
Mugambwa urged parents to intentionally build strong relationships with their children through open communication, active listening, and quality family time.
She noted that children who enjoy positive relationships with their parents are more likely to develop confidence, make better decisions, and thrive both at school and in society.
She also encouraged parents to create safe spaces where children can freely express themselves without fear of judgment, saying this strengthens trust and helps protect them from negative influences.
Teacher and businesswoman Nabbosa Hamidah observed that many parents have become so occupied with work and earning a living that they unintentionally leave the responsibility of raising their children to schools, domestic workers, social media, and other external influences.
Marion Nabakibi, a mother, described parenting as a lifelong friendship built on trust, openness, and mutual respect.
She encouraged fathers to take a more active role in raising their children, saying parenting should be a shared responsibility.
Businessman Kazibwe Hassan emphasized the importance of involving children in family activities, traveling together, and exposing them to positive experiences instead of allowing them to navigate life on their own.
As the demands of work continue to compete with family life, parents are being reminded that while providing for their children is important, the greatest gift they can offer is their presence, guidance, and love.
