Opportunities and challenges associated with use of indigenous parenting practices on child discipline

Abstract

In Zimbabwe, like elsewhere in the world, the issue of child discipline remains a grey area in parenting. The major debate revolves around what constitute better parenting styles between traditional and modern child nurturing systems. The major focus was to investigate the opportunities and challenges of indigenous parenting practices on child discipline among BaTonga speaking in Binga District, Zimbabwe. The study was inspired by the current emotional debates regarding the issue of parenting and child discipline in Zimbabwe and beyond. The general observation by the researchers was that, many synopses on parenting and child discipline have been written focusing on contemporary child protection protocols without attempting to assess the efficacy of indigenous systems in handing child disciplinary. Inspired by Afrocentric views, the study attempted to verify the usefulness and challenges of indigenous parenting methods on child discipline in modern day society. Qualitative design was used to collect data from the participants. On opportunities, participants lauded the efficacy of indigenous methods on child discipline for its ability to; instil better and responsibility in children and creation of sound and inclusive child protection policies. On other side, it was raised that indigenous  parenting practices are associated with; child abuse issues, fail to meet human rights demands, and had long term impact on child development in form of personalities. The study recommended for inclusive child discipline debate emanating from public debates and further research in the area.

Key Terms: opportunities, challenges, indigenous parenting, child discipline, Zimbabwe