Presence Over Presents: Dr. Serwaa Urges Parents To Prioritise Time With Children

Renowned child advocate, Dr. Serwaa, has issued a passionate appeal to parents to prioritise presence over presents in raising their children, warning that lack of parental attention is exposing many children to abuse and emotional neglect.

Dr. Serwaa was speaking in the Suame Municipality when she described as a profound truth the saying that children spell love as T-I-M-E, and not money or gifts.

According to her, the message is a critical warning that every parent, especially those working long hours in demanding environments such as markets, needs to hear.

She observed that many parents work from 4:00 a.m. until late at night to provide financially for their children, believing that new toys, clothes, or money can make up for their absence.

“The reality is that material gifts only bring temporary excitement. A child will completely forget the price of their shoes, but they will never forget the empty feeling of having no one to talk to, laugh with, or tuck them into bed,” she stated.

Dr. Serwaa further warned that parental absence opens the door to abuse, noting that abuse rarely happens out of nowhere but builds up over time when a child’s emotional defences are stripped away.

She explained that when children do not have a trusted parent to confide in, they become vulnerable to persons who exploit their need for attention and affection.

She therefore urged parents to create intentional moments for their children, no matter how busy their schedules are.

“Even 15 to 30 minutes of intentional, undistracted communication every single day can alter the course of a child’s life,” she added.

Dr. Serwaa stressed that being present does not require expensive outings, but simple acts such as listening, talking, playing, helping with homework, and being available at bedtime.

She called on parents, guardians, teachers, and community leaders to work together to protect children by giving them the time, attention, and emotional security they need to grow safely and confidently.