A Ghanaian mother has taken to the public space to seek advice after an emotional parenting moment left her conflicted and uncertain about the right course of action.
According to the mother, she asked her young daughter to boil five cups of beans for dinner, which was to be eaten with ripe plantain. She then left the house for approximately three hours to attend to errands. Upon her return, she found the child fast asleep, still holding a bowl of unpicked beans, with no cooking done.
The mother admitted that she initially felt angry and stepped out to get a cane with the intention of flogging the child for disobedience and negligence. However, she said that when she returned and looked closely at her daughter’s face, she was overwhelmed with pity and compassion, causing her to abandon the idea of punishment.
Now confused about how to properly address the situation, the mother says she is seeking guidance on what to do next—whether to discipline the child, counsel her gently, or take another approach altogether.
The story has since opened a broader discussion on parenting styles in Ghana, especially the balance between discipline, emotional understanding, and effective communication with children. Many believe such moments present opportunities for teaching responsibility without instilling fear, while others argue that consistent discipline remains important.
The mother has invited parents, guardians, and the general public to share their thoughts and experiences, hoping to gain clarity and make a better decision going forward.
