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Divorced and Thriving: How to Break the Stigma Around Second Chances

  Let’s be honest; nobody walks down the aisle thinking they’ll one day be divorced. You plan the wedding, dream of forever, and hope love will always be enough. Unfortunately, it isn’t always so. And when it all falls apart, society often makes it worse. Especially here in Nigeria, where aunties at every family gathering suddenly become relationship counsellors, whispering things like, “What happened?” or “You’ll find someone soon, by God’s grace.” As if your worth expired with your marriage . Now, here’s the truth: divorce isn’t the end of your story. It’s a chapter; a painful one, yes, but also powerful. It can be the beginning of rediscovery, healing, and even thriving. So, let’s talk about breaking the stigma and embracing second chances in love, in life, and in yourself. 1. The Stigma Is Real, But It’s Also Outdated: In our culture, divorce is still whispered about like a scandal. People say “she’s divorced” in hushed tones, as if it’s a crime. Men face judgment too, t...

Want to Reduce Screen Time for Your Children? Try These 5 Tips

 

African children  looking at a tablet

In today’s tech-driven world, managing children’s screen time is more important than ever. With smartphones, tablets, TVs, and computers being so prevalent, children can easily spend hours glued to screens.

While technology has its benefits, excessive screen time can affect a child’s physical health, social skills, and even their sleep.

If you’re looking to strike a healthy balance, here are five effective strategies to reduce your children’s screen time.


1. Set Clear Screen Time Limits: One of the easiest ways to start is by establishing clear rules about screen use. According to experts, children between the ages of 2 to 5 should have no more than one hour of screen time per day, while older kids can have up to two hours of recreational screen time. Setting these limits and sticking to them will help your kids understand boundaries and make screen time something they look forward to, rather than a constant distraction.

African boy playing with a tablet



2. Create Screen-Free Zones: Designating specific areas of your home as “screen-free zones” can significantly reduce screen usage. The dinner table, bedrooms, and family gatherings are great examples of spaces where screens should be off-limits. This encourages face-to-face interaction and fosters family bonding time without the interference of devices. You could also set a household rule of no screens at least one hour before bed to promote better sleep hygiene.

African family dining together



3. Encourage Outdoor Play and Physical Activities: Replacing screen time with physical activities is a win-win situation. Encourage your children to play outdoors, ride bikes, or engage in sports. Not only does this reduce the time they spend in front of screens, but it also promotes physical fitness, enhances motor skills, and improves their mood. Organize family outings like going to the park to make active play even more exciting.

African children playing outdoors



4. Offer Creative Alternatives: Boredom often leads children to screens, so offering creative and engaging alternatives can make a big difference. Introduce them to arts and crafts, puzzles, board games, or books. You could also encourage hobbies like painting, building models, or even cooking. These activities stimulate their minds in ways screens can’t, helping to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

African family at the  beach



5. Be a Role Model: Children often mimic the behaviour of adults. If they see you constantly checking your phone or watching TV, they are more likely to do the same. Model healthy screen habits by limiting your own screen time and engaging in non-digital activities. Reading a book, going for a walk, or spending time together as a family without screens can set a positive example for your children to follow.

African family relaxing together at home


Reducing screen time doesn’t have to be a battle. By setting clear boundaries, offering fun alternatives, and being a good role model, you can help your children strike a healthy balance between screen time and real-world experiences.

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