Respect and love for parents

By Sarafina Sanerivi 16 January 2017, 12:00AM

Every family has its own rhythm and every family has its own set of circumstances. 

However, Exodus 20 verse 12 clearly states that children should always honor and respect their parents no matter what.

That is the firm opinion of Pita Ioane from the village of Vaitele-Uta. 

Pita is a Year 11 student at Faleata College. 

Speaking to the Village Voice, Pita said he truly understands that children should always respect their parents. 

Moreover, Pita said he is sad to see that this is starting to change in Samoa. 

“We always hear about this verse from the bible to honour and love our parents but one thing we see that is common in Samoa is the children losing respect for their parents. 

“And that is just sad because we live in a country where respect is a very strong aspect of our culture. 

“The culture has been influenced by western ways.”

However, said Pita, he will try his best not to let this influence him and his siblings. 

“We all love our parents. But some of us don’t really mean this. I say this because I’ve seen a lot of them talk back and disrespect their parents. 

“It’s tempting sometime to say something to them when they scold me, but I always think of what the Bible says and then it shuts me up.”

Moreover, Pita also said that he truly believes in the saying “Actions speak louder than words.”

“You can’t say you love your parents when you let them do all the chores while you go and hang out with your friends. 

“For me, I always help out and do all the chores at home. My siblings are young at the moment so I do most of the chores. 

“I love my parents and that is why I do all the chores. 

“Especially now that school is yet to start. I’ve been spending time helping out my parents and doing all the chores at home all throughout this holiday.

“I help out with cooking the food, in the morning and evening, and I am also learning a lot about all the different Samoan chores just by helping them out.”

Looking ahead, Pita said he will do his best this year in school to make his parents proud. 

“I want to be a teacher when I grow up,” said Pita.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about what I should do when I grow up and I finally decided to become a teacher. 

“They teach all the students who grow up to be lawyers, doctors, I.T.’s and others. 

“It’s a very interesting career and I know I still have a long way to go before that.

“But I will keep striving for the best and do well in school.

“I also believe that respecting and honouring my parents is one thing I will do so that I can be blessed in this life.”

Pita said he is ready to go back to school this year.

By Sarafina Sanerivi 16 January 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.

>