Ntsakelo Ngobeni wants to adapt parenting styles from her own experience
When she becomes a mother she aims to foster more of a friendship with her children rather than a formal mother-and-daughter one.
Ntsakelo Ngobeni (16) writes about different parenting styles:
I love my family so much; they are everything but I am not sure I would raise my children the same way.
My parent’s parenting style affects us – sometimes in a negative way from self-esteem to academics. I feel if I were given a chance to be a mother, I would do things differently from my mom.
Don’t get me wrong; my mom is supportive and everything, but I feel she does not know most of my life.
I believe every teenager needs their mother more in their life because the decision making that comes with puberty and growth needs a mother.
I have a good relationship with my mom, but our relationship is of the mother-and-daughter kind. I worry I can’t be totally comfortable around her and tell her everything. For example, if I found a boyfriend, she is fine but she does not give supportive vibes.
Ntsakelo said she believes if parents open up about their feelings more it will minimise many teenage issues like depression, teenage pregnancy, suicide, etc. Parents need to be free around their kids, in a manner that we can be friends.
I believe if we look into this issue now, the next generation of moms can do better.
For my children, I will be there for them in every way, I want them to know I am there – even if they are getting something wrong.
Related articles: The three parenting styles: Which one are you?
