The role of a family in promoting the moral formation of children in Regina Mundi Parish in light of Amoris Laetitia

Abstract

This study was conducted to find out the role of a family in promoting the moral formation of children in Regina Mundi Parish in light of Amoris Laetitia. The role of a family in promoting the moral formation of children exemplified that children learn the basics of the Christian faith at family level before attaining the age of reason, build a strong sense of self, learn about the concepts of love, Caring, and relationships, Healthy Alternatives, share learning experiences, build healthy relationships, fairness, justice, and learn social roles. While the moral formation of children characterized responsible parenthood, strong bonds of love between children and parents, fear of God, mature and unshakable moral conduct of the children, self-control, compliance with external standards, empathy, self-esteem, conscience, and Moral reasoning. The study particularly sought to find out why Some children have acquired bad habits like theft, insincerity, use of vulgar language, imprudence, poor dressing code, poor attitude towards prayer and study, poor respect for the elderly, laziness towards work, and rebelliousness among others at a tender age. This is as a result of poor supervision and parental guidance and care on moral growth to their children. All this stems from the family background and this is a problem at hand. This has impacted children’s moral and spiritual growth. Basing on the above, the researcher was prompted to carry out a close study on the role of a Family in promoting the Moral Formation of children in Regina Mundi Parish. The study was conducted through the survey design by visiting a number of families to discuss the topic in question; data was collected in a period of three months, using questionnaires, interview guide and observation from about 250 respondents selected from 300 target population. The data collected was analyzed using statistical tables bar graphs and pie-chats for the structured questions and later explained by the unstructured responses that were given by the respondents, and verbal responses that were recorded by the researcher. The study established that the family promotes the moral formation of children by teaching children to: be honest at all times, be trustworthy, Live harmoniously, obey the rules of society, show respect for property, obey rules of the family, distinguish between right and wrong, and this is the duty of parents. The factors for the deterioration in the institution of a family affecting the Moral growth of the children among the many included; family breakdown, copying of western cultures, role played by grandparents has been neglected, absent parenting, little or no time for children, domestic violence and lack of basic needs due to poverty, and lack of role models. The possible solutions that can be helpful in providing religious, moral and spiritual values among the children include: guidance on social media, the Christian Families acting as Educational Setting, act as a Domestic Church, parents acting as role models, sending children to catholic schools, good and mutual cooperation between teachers and parents, children should learn their rights and obligations, moderate and prudent use of media, teaching children family and societal norms. The study concludes that the parents indeed have a role to play. This was supported by 86.4% of the population and this was in line with the conceptual frame work which showed that, once the parents are aware of their role to impart good moral values and virtues to their children then the moral conduct of the children is realized, which will eventually lead to; Responsible parents, Strong bonds of love between children and parents, Fear of God, Mature and unshakable moral conduct of the children, Self-control, Compliance with External Standards, Empathy, Self-esteem, sound Conscience, Moral reasoning, responsible children, God fearing Christians, and positive attitude towards parents. However, some children more often have not benefited much from their families in terms of moral development and education basing on the respondent’s view. This was indicated by 15% of the respondents. This calls for parental awareness as far as their duty and responsibility is concerned in protecting and educating children in the family and protecting children’s rights against any form of violation and abuse. The study recommends that husbands and wives (parents) should recognize fully their duties in the families and towards God, towards themselves, towards the family and towards society, in a hierarchy of values. By doing this I hope cases of domestic violence and irresponsibility in families will be dealt with.