“Talk to your Children More!”

Professor Charles Desforges talked about his life and his parents. As well he talked about how education has changed since he was young and gave us some ideas about how to deal with the problems our children have. Khadiza Hassan

The most important point was to have conversations with your children and to give them time - I felt guilty when I heard that, because I haven't been kind enough to my children and I don't talk to them enough, but on that day I started to make conversation with my children and I gave them more time. Also my children don't understand my language. I try to talk them anyway, they can understand me and I mix some Somali and English but I know that the important point is to talk to your children. Amal Ahmed

Professor Charles Desforges said parents should spend time with their children and support children's individual needs. It is important to realise that all adult support for children revolves around the appropriate use of language. They should give their children self-confidence and self-esteem and encourage children to talk about what they are feeling. They should also allow time to rest. Zahra Saleh

I only understood about 10% of his speech, so I learned that if you are not an educated person you can still help your children. I heard some things I already knew. Anab Ali

His speech was not loud so I only understood a little. You should start talking to your child when they are a baby to get a relationship between you and your children and give your children a chance. Adar Diriye

I understood what he was talking about because I talk to my child to help her with homework. I give her time during holidays at the weekends. I didn't understand before that if you don't have an education you can help your children. I remembered when I was young my parents taught me the right things. Now I know how important the parents are, not the school or where you live. Zeinab Musse