Grandmother has wise words

By Ilia L Likou 11 December 2017, 12:00AM

We must nurture our children.

A 61-year-old mother and grandmother Sa’anapu Sua from the village of Faleasiu, believes this.

The Village Voice team approached her while she was attending her granddaughter’s graduation at Leulumoega College last week.

She said it was one of the important things parents and elders should do. 

“As parents we must fully understand our role as adults to nurture our children’s self-esteem positively  by helping them discover what they are good at doing,” Sa’anapu said.

“They should learn how to sit and eat, how to respect others, what clothes to wear when people or visitors are around or when they go to a pastor’s house or the village meeting.

“We must understand that part of a child’s self esteem comes from feeling competent and skilled at something they enjoy. 

“When we create something, when we act on something, we must know that our children will follow as well.

“What comes out of our mouths whether it’s good or bad, are the same words that our children will use to others.

“It all starts from the family.”

Sa’anapu said when we plan opportunities with children’s unique personality styles in mind; we also help them build a positive mentality.

“We understand that building a loving and caring relationship is not always easy. 

“Because most parents don’t want to show that love to their children straight away, we Samoan parents have our own way.

“Some use the broom, stick, and sandal but at the end of the day we want them to become good adults in the future.”

But with patience and love, Sa’anapu said together we can do it.

“We grandmothers are important people because there’s a saying that we know much and better in life than our children.

“So our love can make family members comfortable, make life easier and unite family members, most importantly we gather our children and grandchildren during faigaloku every evening.

“That makes a family strong when we lead them to God.”

By Ilia L Likou 11 December 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>