‘I want to raise well-rounded individuals, not just men’ – Kate Addo on parenting boys
Founder of Dual Concepts Foundation and mother of twin boys, Kate Addo says parents should focus on raising well-rounded individuals rather than allowing societal expectations of masculinity to determine the kind of men their sons become.
Ghanaian mother and founder of Dual Concepts Foundation, Kate Addo, emphasizes the importance of raising well-rounded individuals rather than adhering to societal expectations of masculinity for her twin boys. In an interview with JoyPrime’s Lifestyle with Rosie, Addo shared her experience of parenting energetic boys, noting that it requires constant effort and understanding, and is neither necessarily harder nor easier than raising children generally.
She highlighted the impact of cultural expectations in Ghana and Africa, which often influence how parents raise boys, such as perceiving them as naturally boisterous and requiring them to be brave despite fear. Addo also addressed the challenges of raising such active children, recounting a story of her sons jumping from a high wardrobe onto their bed.
Despite these challenges, she stresses that her goal is to cultivate well-rounded individuals capable of building healthy relationships, communicating effectively, and relating responsibly with others, regardless of gender. Her approach challenges traditional parenting norms that may encourage boys to suppress emotions or equate strength with an inability to show vulnerability, instead promoting empathy, communication skills, and self-awareness.
Brief written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
