DAY TWO OF DSD’s MOTHER AND DAUGHTER / FATHER AND SON PROGRAMME STRENGTHENS FAMILY COMMUNICATION AND EMOTIONAL BONDS

By Nonhlakanipho Masola.

• Parents shared heartfelt reflections on their relationships with their children, realising the importance of seeing their children as individuals with their own emotions and perspectives.
• The session underscored alarming statistics on early pregnancies in the Northern Cape, urging parents to have open and honest discussions with their children about sex, consent, and responsibility.
• Through candid discussions on communication, trauma, and substance abuse, the programme strengthened family bonds and highlighted the critical role of parents in guiding their children’s emotional and social development.

The Department of Social Development (DSD) continues with the second day of the Mother and Daughter / Father and Son Programme, currently taking place in Upington.
As the programme entered its second day, powerful and emotional conversations emerged, deepening understanding between parents and their teenage children. Participants engaged in sessions focused on improving communication, addressing intergenerational trauma, and promoting positive parenting within South African families.
The day became particularly emotional as some parents reflected on the nature of their relationships with their children. Many shared how they realised, through these discussions, that they had not fully understood or connected with their children on a human level.
One mother expressed that it was painful to realise she had spent years not truly seeing her daughter as an individual with her own thoughts and feelings.
Refilwe Mosinane from the Northern Cape DSD delivered an insightful presentation on teenage pregnancy and the need for sexual education within families. According to a Department of Health report from 2017/18 financial year, the province recorded 18 births among children aged 10 to 14, and 517 births among girls aged 15 to 19. She noted that this means some children as young as nine were becoming pregnant, which should serve as a wake-up call for parents and communities to have open and honest conversations with young people about sex and relationships.
Mosinane explained that young people often engage in sexual activity for various reasons, some for pleasure, others because of peer influence or misconceptions about what is “normal.” She cautioned that many parents assume their children are not involved in such behaviour, yet evidence shows otherwise. She encouraged parents to build trust and create safe spaces where their children can ask questions and seek guidance without fear of judgment.
She further shared personal experiences as a parent, explaining how even simple, age-appropriate conversations about puberty, sexual health, and respect can make a significant difference. She emphasised that parents must be proactive in teaching their children about body changes, consent, and emotional boundaries, rather than waiting for schools or peers to do so.
Mosinane also addressed the risks associated with substance abuse, noting its potential to contribute to hazardous behaviour. She highlighted that alcohol consumption may impair judgment and increase the likelihood of unprotected sexual activity and unintended pregnancies. Additionally, she advised parents to educate their children about personal responsibility, emphasizing the importance of carrying sanitary items and, where relevant, condoms to ensure their safety.
She concluded by stressing that communities and religious leaders are often not seen as primary sources of sexual education, which makes it even more crucial for parents to take the lead in guiding their children.
The session was a reminder that strengthening family bonds requires open dialogue, compassion, and consistent engagement. The DSD’s Mother and Daughter / Father and Son Programme continues to serve as a vital platform for rebuilding trust and fostering meaningful connections within families.