22/09/2026
WHEN EVERY MOTHER WAS OUR MOTHER…
There was a time when every child was every mother’s responsibility—not just their biological mother’s.
A mother’s friend, neighbour, aunt, uncle, or any trusted adult could correct a child without being accused of interfering. If you were seen behaving inappropriately, someone would speak up. Indecent dressing and unacceptable behaviour were not tolerated simply because your parents were away.
Parents could confidently entrust their children to extended family members, friends, and neighbours because the community shared a sense of responsibility for raising and protecting children.
Today, the attitude of “Leave my child alone and mind your business” has weakened that communal responsibility.
When genuine correction disappears, children can be left vulnerable to harmful influences and, in some cases, abuse. This does not mean every practice of the past was perfect, nor that every modern approach is wrong. It means we should not lose the valuable principle that protecting and guiding children is a shared responsibility.
Perhaps what we need is not simply a return to the past, but a return to community, accountability, proper boundaries, and genuine concern for every child.
A child may belong to a family, but protecting a child should concern the whole community.
