FAMILY WE HAVE TODAY
A family is a social unit living together. It is made up of grandparents,
father, mother and children. For each family to run smoothly every member have a
role to play in the family.
Roles of different members in the families
If we are to start with the grandparents, their main role is to advise the family members for
instance if there is a quarrel on the family, they will try to solve it
amicably.
Father’s role –
the father is the head of the family, they have numerous roles for instance to protect
the family provide them with basic needs. He is the final decision maker though
in consultation with the wife. He gives love to the mother and children.
The mother has
very important role in the family. She bears children, takes care of them and
the father, cooking, cleaning the house, among others.
Children’s roles rather depend on their age. There are those
who can help in simple chores that they can be able to perform. Children are
supposed to obey and respect their parents.
Challenges Facing Families
Today and the Repercussion
- Other lovers outside wedlock
- Separation
- Divorce
- Prostitution
- In-Laws
- Stress
- Early death
- Drunkardness
- Procreation
Other
lovers outside Wedlock (“Mpango wa kando”)
This is the
main challenge in most marriages today. Unfaithfulness
in marriage have become just like a trend where men/women are leaving their
lovers to go and find other partners outside wedlock. This has lead to an increase
in sexual transmitted disease, separation, and single parent.
Separation / Divorce
It is lack of unity, trust, and love that has led to the
many divorces we experience. This leads to single parents. Children may also
separate with their own parents to become street children or to get employed to
do odd jobs.
Prostitution
This has become a source of employment nowadays where men
and women are selling their bodies for money. They are doing away with the
teachings and moral obligations.
Drunkenness
This is a major problem as most of the men have been married
to alcohol. They wake up in the morning go to nearby pub to drink only to go
back home at the middle of the night asking for something to eat. The woman is
the one to find the daily bread to educate the children. Most men have
neglected their duties because of alcohol.
In-laws
When a person is eighteen years and above he is no longer a
child this has not entered in some parents mind and they take their children as
if they are still in their hands. Some in-laws bring conflict to their children
and this may cause them to separate.
Stress/Early Death
Some of these challenges have brought conflicts and stress to
both or one partner. This has led the affected parties to end up being
depressed and committing suicide. This adds more stress and challenges to the
affected families even touching the extended family.
All in all a family should learn on how to stick together in
any case and to use what they have whether it’s small or big. Family members
should stay in harmony, in love, and in unity.
