Seek help before it's too late

The Monitor Editor | Tuesday August 15, 2023 06:00

Regrettably, this disregard sometimes leads to regrettable decisions that might have been averted with professional assistance. Recently, a distressing report gained attention: a young man took the life of his six-year-old son due to a dispute with the child’s mother.

While the child’s biological status remains uncertain, the undeniable tragedy is that an innocent life was lost due to the actions of a guardian entrusted with protection.

Children, being innocent and trusting, often rely wholeheartedly on their parents, even when placed in harm’s way. It’s unthinkable for parents to harbour ill intentions towards their children, let alone contemplate ending their lives to settle personal grievances. Shockingly, there have been instances of toddlers becoming victims of parental conflicts, resulting in their untimely demise. The question arises: what motivates adults to believe that taking an innocent child’s life would solve their problems? A distressing case reported in a local newspaper featured a father who poisoned his three-year-old child with laced yoghurt to evade maintenance payments.

Such occurrences highlight a larger issue within our society – a lack of emotional intelligence or an unwillingness to seek professional aid when overwhelmed. Parents are entrusted with nurturing their children into responsible citizens and serving as positive role models. However, when parents deviate from this path, children are the ones who bear the brunt.

Those who survive such tragedies often grow up in toxic environments, believing that the dysfunction they witnessed is normal. Collectively, we must prioritise our mental well-being to ensure the safety of those around us. This responsibility extends to family members and close associates who can identify behavioural changes and intervene when necessary. The value of counselling cannot be underestimated. Let's take proactive steps before it’s too late and save lives by seeking help.