New Year message to children: Act to make parents proud, happy — Rev. Fr Agbenafa

The SVD Priest-in-Charge of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, New Aplaku, Accra, Rev. Fr Hans-Gerber M. J. Agbenafa, has advised children to show appreciation for the opportunities their parents and guardians have offered by engaging in acts to make them proud and happy.

He has, therefore, asked them to focus on those opportunities rather than what they lacked in order to develop a positive attitude and turn their challenges around for their growth and development.

“Be thankful for the family, teachers, friends, meals, shelter you have and know that you are privileged because others don’t have that,” Rev. Fr Agbenafa said in a heartfelt New Year message to children.

He said children could show gratitude to their parents by saying ‘thank you,’ often, draw a picture or write notes to them, adding, "you can also show appreciation by taking good care of the things you have been given such as toys, books, pens, pencils and clothes to prove to them that you value those items.

At home, Rev. Fr Hans-Gerber M.J. Agbenafa explained that children could show they were appreciative by helping with chores for instance, setting the dining table, folding the laundry and taking the initiative to keep the house clean and organised.

“You can also assist your siblings with their homework, share your items with them, be patient and understanding during disagreements in order to avoid grudges,” he noted.

Rev. Fr Agbenafa encouraged children to always use kind words such as ‘sorry’ and ‘please’ and empathise with people in order not to hurt them.

In school, he tasked children to study hard and perform well, be compassionate, obedient to their teachers, support their friends who were upset or struggling academically and avoid bullying others.

He noted that in the community, children could show their gratitude by engaging in clean-up exercises, joining visits to the elderly and spending time with them, planting trees, conserving water and energy as well as keeping their surroundings clean.

He said they could ask permission from their parents and donate toys, books, shoes and clothing they no longer needed to the underprivileged in society since those little acts of kindness could make a big difference in the community and in people's lives.

Rev. Fr Agbenafa told children facing challenges to always trust in God, adding “Don’t forget that with faith, support and the right mindset, you can remain hopeful and positive, even in the hardest times.

“It is also prudent to share your worries with a parent, teacher, pastor or any trusted adult because talking about your feelings can help you feel less burdened and would also aid in finding solutions to the problems,” he encouraged.

He emphasised that children should use positive affirmations, such as “I am strong,” " I can do this," “This won’t last forever,” for themselves when they were facing challenges because terrible situations don't last forever.

"Bear in mind that everyone faces difficulties at a point in their lives, but overcoming these problems would make one a better person," he affirmed.

He further asked children never to forget that they were loved and valued by God and He had wonderful plans for them this New Year and their future.

"Remember, you are never too young to make a big difference in society, keep dreaming big, work hard and trust in God.

The future is full of amazing possibilities, and you have what it takes to make it great this year and the years ahead.

Happy New Year to you all," Rev. Fr Agbenafa assured them.