It is six months since the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, commenced strike following an impasse with Federal Government over unfulfilled agreements.
Consequently, students have borne the brunt of the imbroglio, being out of the academic environment trying to cope with the recurring decimal.
For some, it is not a new experience, as they had at one time or the other tasted the bitter pill of extension in the expected year of study in school occasioned by disagreement between academic or non-academic staff and government.
Truth be told, it is quite a challenging time for these students psychologically, emotionally and academically. Therefore, as a parent or guardian, this is a passionate plea that you please take it easy with your young adults living with you.
The current situation that has forced them back home is neither their fault nor yours as parents, though both of you are paying for it when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.
Be kind with words towards them, be less judgemental and don’t be too quick to shut them up or throw insults. This stage is hard for a lot of them. Very hard!
One of the students affected by the current ASUU strike reached out to me and said she was contemplating suicide.
One of the things that could easily frustrate a child is for his or her parents to be making assumptions and jumping to conclusions, without even wanting to hear him or her out. Please don’t do this to your children.
These young adults are not having it easy. If you have been to any institution of higher learning, you should already know how frustrating strikes can be.
A lot of young adults are exasperated. It’s hard trying to find your footing in a world so messed up. Please be kind with your words towards your children and your wards.
Find time to converse with them. Ask them how they are doing, and how life is treating them. Ask them if they need help with anything and help as much as you can.
Reassure them that things will be fine and make efforts to be there for them. If you used to send them money for upkeep while in school, please as long as you can afford to, give them something even while they are at home. Every young adult has a need. Don’t make matters worse by unnecessarily picking on them or being unreasonably unbendable.
It’s sad knowing that a lot of young adults are happier away from home and their parents. It’s really sad. Your home should be a safe haven for your kids and wards, not where they would rather not be. Being unreasonably strict isn’t what will make anyone turn out right. If anything, it only breeds sleek, sneaky humans so please give them a little breathing space too.
You will also do well to counsel and engage them positively. You can never tell, this period may just be an eye opener to discover their purpose in life.
Culled/ Olaitan Oye-Adeitan
