Wednesday 15 November 2023

How Can Someone Say "Having Children Is Out Of Fashion These Days?" No way!

Welcome to my blog once more ! My name is Mabi Azefor Fominyen and I hope that you are doing very well! I came across something this morning and I was a bit puzzled so I thought of sharing it with you and to get your thoughts as well. I was checking the News Online this morning, trying to catch up with current affairs and some world events when I stumbled on an article where someone was saying that “having children is a bit out of fashion these days” . I thought for a minute and I said to myself……..is this for real? I immediately imagined what that statement would mean for some people who are currently trying to get children by all means. I am so blessed that I have children of my own and I love them to the moon and back ! That notwithstanding , a few thoughts and questions came to my mind ! Why do we have so many people in the world, trying to give out “lessons” to others instead of letting people make informed choices and decisions which best suit their needs, wants, realities, dreams , desires and aspirations? Generally, I tend to be very careful when I come across information online and perhaps I dare suggest that; you might also need to watch-out what you consume online as content. Sometimes there's just so much happening out there and people might have the tendency of projecting their personal choices as “the ultimate solution” rather than mere suggestions! Some information could be very helpful while others could be really toxic. We have to know how to decipher and make sense of the good and determine how much information we take into consideration. At times opinions have been communicated as though they were facts thus creating nuances and doubts on the minds of some people especially young people and children. In Africa (where I come from), children are cherished and loved by many. These precious human beings come into world with many cultural norms, traditional beliefs, values and significance attached to their birth and their entire existence. As such, growing up, many people look forward to when they will become adults, get married and /or have children of their own. Imagine a young girl/young man from Africa therefore where having a child means a lot to individuals, families and communities; reading through an article where someone vehemently states that “having children these days is out of fashion” without actually providing enough context nor giving sufficient reasons to back that information….this might sound a little awkward to that young girl or man from some parts of Africa As a mom and someone in the field of communication, I would encourage people to really have a good sense of discernment with regards to what they read online. In my opinion, this might determine how such information is processed and how it might impact someone’s decision. Yes, there is an abundance of information online thus making it easier for people to learn and increase their knowledge ! A plethora of opinions, write ups, news articles, channels, conversations and interviews to name but these. On a daily basis a wealth of information is displayed online! However, it is also vital to cross-check some of the information put out there, remember your needs and wants as an individual and avoid getting too excited by what you read or hear on social media . Pick up what is relevant and helpful , leave out the junk ! Thank you and please feel free to join the conversation in the comment section !