The festive season is a time to cement family bonds, iron out problems and spend time with loved ones. It’s all about jingle bells, music and giving. However, some relatives give nothing but bad/creepy vibes, and parents shouldn’t ignore this but be vigilant and curb any harmful behaviour that may occur, especially during family gatherings and sleepovers.
Bongani Mavundla, a researcher at Unisa’s Institute of Social and Health Sciences, says harmful behaviours that can manifest during this time include excessive drinking, neglect of children, arguments due to alcohol intoxication or unresolved issues, discrimination against the unemployed or poor relatives, and sexual abuse of children and women.
Some of these behaviours can have lifelong negative effects on your child if they witness or participate in them and should be prevented before they occur.
