Empowering Our Future: The Essential Role of Parenting in Our Community

by Jerome D. Ryans, President & CEO, Tampa Housing Authority

As the President of the Tampa Housing Authority, I am deeply committed to the well-being and future of our community. Today, I want to address a topic that is crucial to the future success of our children: parenting. The role of a parent is not just to provide for our children but to guide them, teach them, and help them become responsible, respectful, and successful adults.

Parenting is a challenging task, and for our young parents, it can be particularly daunting. Raising children requires patience, dedication, and a lot of hard work. Parents must be mindful that they are not alone. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and our community is here to offer support. Mentoring services and other resources are available; families in need should seek them out.

Parents, do not hesitate to seek support from mentorship programs such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, or to look for community resources. Encourage your children to attend after-school programs, join scouts, participate in sports, or engage with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs. These activities provide positive influences and help build essential life skills.

In my experience as parent, grandparent, and deacon, the single most helpful resource for raising successful children, however, is establishing parenting standards at home. It is important to set a clear boundary between being a parent and being a friend. While it's essential to build a loving and supportive relationship with your children, you must also maintain authority. Not everything in life is negotiable, and as parents, we need to set rules and enforce them consistently.

Creating an open dialogue with our children is equally crucial for their development and safety. One of the most pressing issues we face today, for example, is the presence of guns in the hands of our youth. It is our responsibility as parents to educate our children about the dangers of firearms and to ensure they understand the value of life and the consequences of violence. 

Correction, though sometimes difficult, will be appreciated in the long run. Engaging in regular, honest conversations with our children can help them navigate these challenges and make informed decisions. Have meals with your kids regularly and use the events of the day to impart wisdom. These dialogs are powerful teaching moments.

Teach your children to respect authority and understand the importance of earning privileges. Phones, cars, and other luxuries should be earned through good behavior and responsibility. It's also crucial to limit and mediate their exposure to social media and video games. These platforms should not raise our children - we should.

Instill in your children the values of honesty, integrity, and hard work. Set standards against lying, stealing, and cheating, and lead by example. Show them the importance of contributing to the household through chores and other responsibilities.

Parenting is one of the most significant roles we will ever undertake. It shapes the future of our children and, consequently, the future of our community. Even if you are a single parent, your efforts, dedication, and love will make a difference. Together, as a community, we can ensure that our children grow up to be respectful, responsible, and successful individuals. You are an active agent in raising the next generation of leaders as a parent.