Biteko: Parental tolerance key for stronger families

Dar es Salaam. Deputy Prime Minister and minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, has urged parents across the country to exercise tolerance and mutual understanding in raising their children, stressing that strong families are the bedrock of a resilient nation.

Speaking in Mwanza on May 24 while representing Vice President Dr Philip Isdor Mpango at the International Day of Families celebration, Dr Biteko emphasised that both parents have a shared responsibility in nurturing their children.

“Children are the product of both parents. We must value them as important individuals who deserve proper upbringing. If we continue to neglect our children, we risk building a society without a strong family foundation,” he said during the event themed ‘Children Are Upbringing: The Foundation of a Strong Family for a Resilient Nation.’

He further reflected on the importance of family unity, noting: “Let us remember that we are where we are because our parents tolerated each other and raised us in stable families. We must not abandon our own families. Everyone must understand that a family is foundation, and since each person has weaknesses, we must be patient with one another as we raise our children.”

He underscored the role of culture and tradition in shaping future generations, calling on parents to make time for their families and pass down their values.

Dr Biteko also cautioned that when parents engage in legal battles over children, it often plants seeds of resentment in the young ones that carry into adulthood.

Moreover, he encouraged children to respect their parents and teachers, to be diligent in their studies, and to live by religious principles. As part of the day’s commemoration, Dr Biteko outlined key responsibilities of the family, including providing for children’s needs, ensuring their holistic development, and preserving cultural heritage through generations.

He also highlighted government efforts in supporting early childhood development, noting that in collaboration with stakeholders, the government is implementing the National Multisectoral Early Childhood Development Programme for the period 2021/22 – 2025/26.

Commenting on Dr Biteko’s call, University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) sociologist Mr Egidius Kamanyi said the message is timely, especially as modern families face increasing social pressures.

“Many families today are torn apart by economic hardship, migration, and changing gender roles. Dr Biteko’s emphasis on patience and shared responsibility is essential in reinforcing social cohesion,” Mr Kamanyi noted.

A sociologist from Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Ms Zabibu Idrissa, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of shared parenting.

“Children internalise the dynamics they observe at home. A family that demonstrates tolerance, respect, and unity builds emotionally resilient children,” she said.

For his part, Psychologist from UDSM, Mr Dennis Ngutu added that the emotional and psychological well-being of children is deeply linked to parental involvement.

“Children who grow up in environments filled with blame, hostility or abandonment are at risk of anxiety, depression and poor academic performance,” he explained.

Another psychologist from Bugando Medical Centre, Dr Saudia Kalla, emphasised the need for emotional presence.

“It’s not enough for parents to provide materially; they must also be present emotionally and mentally, especially during a child’s formative years,” she said.

On top of that, a clinical psychologist and assistant lecturer at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Mr Isaac Lema, applauded the government’s programme on early childhood development but urged for more investment in parental education.

“Raising a child goes beyond love and discipline. Parents need to be equipped with psychological knowledge and skills to support a child’s development holistically. That requires both government and community-level commitment,” he added.

The International Day of Families, celebrated globally, provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting them.