A CHILD IS NOT A HOUSE HELP
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*A CHILD IS NOT A HOUSE HELP.* 😢
One of the saddest things a parent can do is hand over their child to someone they trust, only to discover that trust was misplaced.
Many children are no longer suffering in the streets; they are suffering behind closed doors, in homes where they were sent to find care, education or better life. 🥹
*ANONYMOUS:*
Jane was pushed into marriage to a 45 years old financially struggling man at a very early stage of 19 with education not completed, no skill to learn or small business to venture into just birth kids. As a result, she gave out her girl child.
While other children played, she washed clothes, cleaned the house, hawk items and cared for younger kids. She was often blamed for things she didn't do, denied food as punishment, abused physically and made to feel unwanted. This became a lifetime trauma. 💔
*PARENTS* May send their children away due to financial hardship, death, family challenges, the hope of better opportunities, or the belief that living with another relative will make the child more responsible or disciplined. 😩
*KIDS EXPERIENCE:* Neglect, starvation, excessive chores, abuse, low self esteem etc.
*LESSONS*
1: A child is not a house help
2: Before bringing children into the world, it is important to consider our ability to care for them and provide for their needs.
3: Life is unpredictable, every parent should strive to have a source of income and trusted support system.
4: If a child must stay with someone else, never assume they are completely safe simply because the person is a relative. Regular check-ins are important.🙏🏽
5: Listen carefully when children speak. Sometimes their silence, fear or change in behavior is a cry for help.
6: As Women, let's treat every child under our care the way we would want someone to treat our own children.
To every mother here, keep being a wonderful mum to that child in your care. And to anyone who experienced neglect, mistreatment or abuse as a child, your story and voice matters. What happened to you should never have happened. 🫂
Dear Getfit Queens, let's build homes and communities where every child feels safe, loved, heard and protected. ❤️
