Ibadan, May 30, 2026 — Parents have been encouraged to cultivate deliberate and meaningful relationships with their teenage children to help them develop confidence, purpose and resilience amid the complexities of modern society.
The advice was shared during a parenting seminar titled “Connecting with Intent: Raising Teens that Thrive,” held in Ibadan on Saturday by youth-focused organisation, Nucleus Global.
Addressing participants, the organisation’s founder, Mrs Olajumoke Akere, explained that the initiative was designed to respond to the growing challenges confronting young people in today’s world.
She noted that despite increased access to technology and global opportunities, many teenagers continue to grapple with issues related to identity, emotional isolation and uncertainty about their future.
According to Akere, adolescents still require guidance, affirmation and a strong sense of belonging from their families.
“The realities of parenting have evolved, and parents must adapt to meet the needs of today’s teenagers.
“Beyond supervising behaviour, parents should intentionally invest in shaping character, identity and healthy relationships with their children,” she said.
She emphasised that families remain the most influential environment in a young person’s life and play a vital role in preparing future leaders.
Speaking at the event, financial expert and parent, Dr Adebusola Oyerinde, described emotional connection as a fundamental ingredient in a teenager’s overall growth and success.
“Thriving teenagers are usually products of homes where they feel secure, valued and supported.
“When there is no genuine connection, even the best advice from parents may fail to achieve its purpose,” she said.
Oyerinde urged parents to focus on relationship-building rather than limiting their responsibilities to providing material support.
She encouraged them to instill discipline, teach delayed gratification, create healthy reward systems and model positive values through their actions.
“Many parents would make great sacrifices for their children, but true parenting also requires being intentionally present, offering guidance and mentoring them through life’s journey,” she added.
Another speaker, Pastor Babs Balepo, highlighted the importance of helping children establish a strong sense of self from an early age.
He said parents should consistently reinforce values such as honesty and love while fostering home environments that support healthy identity development.
Balepo also stressed the need to teach children practical life skills, financial responsibility, cultural values and age-appropriate sexuality education.
“Parenting is ultimately about preparing children for adulthood. They will one day leave home to pursue their own paths, and parents must equip them with the tools needed to succeed,” he said.
Also contributing, Pastor Funsho Balepo observed that today’s teenagers face challenges unique to the digital era, including social media pressure, anxiety and mental health concerns.
She urged parents to help young people build identities that are rooted in values rather than external validation, online popularity or physical appearance.
According to her, excessive criticism can weaken a teenager’s self-worth, while regular affirmation and constructive correction help build emotional strength and confidence.
She further encouraged families to prioritise open communication and create supportive environments where teenagers can freely discuss their concerns, fears and experiences.
Funsho noted that strong family relationships foster trust and make it easier for young people to seek parental guidance during difficult moments.
Participants and speakers agreed that purposeful parenting, effective communication and strong family values remain essential ingredients for nurturing responsible, confident and purpose-driven young adults.