African parenting in today’s world comes with unique challenges — especially for families raising children outside the continent. Traditional parenting roles and disciplinary practices are increasingly being questioned, not only by society but also by legal authorities.

Recently, the Nigerian High Commission in the UK highlighted the need for Nigerian‑born parents to understand the legal consequences of harsh discipline, following a rise in cases where children were taken into care. These realities, along with shifting economic and social landscapes, are pushing parents to rethink how they raise their children.

Regardless of personal views on these changes, one truth remains: African parents must evolve, learn, and adopt new strategies for effective parenting in the new millennium.

A New Approach: Strength‑Based Parenting

A powerful and emerging method comes from the field of positive psychology. Dr. Lea Waters, head of the Psychology Centre at the University of Melbourne, champions what she calls “strength‑based parenting.”

This approach encourages parents to focus more on their children’s strengths, talents, and positive qualities rather than concentrating primarily on correcting faults and flaws. While this may feel unfamiliar within many African communities — where discipline and correction have traditionally taken centre stage — it may be essential for parents living abroad who must navigate strict child‑protection laws while still nurturing their children to thrive.

Strength‑based parenting is still developing academically, but Dr. Waters believes many parents already use elements of it intuitively. She argues that this approach is vital for raising confident, resilient, and well‑rounded children.

Beyond IQ: The Rise of the “New Smart”

African culture has long emphasised academic excellence — ensuring children excel in school and accumulate knowledge. While intellectual development remains important, today’s world demands more.

Experts now speak of the “new smart” — a blend of creativity, communication, critical thinking, and courage. These qualities are increasingly recognised as essential for children and adults to flourish in a rapidly changing global environment.

Strength‑based parenting aligns beautifully with this shift. By nurturing what children naturally do well, parents help them build the confidence and emotional resilience needed to develop these modern competencies.

Looking Ahead

A deeper exploration of the strength‑based parenting model — including practical, step‑by‑step techniques — will be featured in the next edition of Your Magazine. This is an opportunity for African parents everywhere to embrace a more empowering, compassionate, and future‑focused approach to raising the next generation

Samantha Rockson