what is the meaning and purpose of having children?

**BabaYaw** · 09-04-2004

hotep

like most of our people i constantly hear parents saying 'cant wait till they outta ma house'

i wonder what is the meaning and purpose of people having children?

any parents out there please respond as to why you have children.

hotep
black power
baba yaw

**IfasehunReincarnated** · 09-07-2004

in most traditional african religions and communities upon death someone of good character, good reputation, dieing of causes natural to their age, and having had children is considered and heralded into the realm of the Ancestors. Only people meeting these criteria get to call themselves ancestors and be remembered and have sacrifice and prayer offered in their name.

Why the criteria of parenthood?

People of color (black or not) understand that life is nothing more than a series of spiritual trials that build or destroy your character. Parenthood offers an essential part of the experience. Parenthood teachs selflessness, cooperation, nationhood, sacrifice, patience and love in ways that no other human experience can. Just as casual relationships can not be compared to the commitment of marriage, parenthood can not be compared to any other form of stewardship.

Parenthood reminds us of our origins. Parenthood allows us to determine the fate of the world around us through our methods of raising children. Parenthood allows us to test our so-called character.

Parenthood is a teaching tool for a parent and child.

**Im The Truth** · 09-07-2004

To the Traditional African it is necessary to have children and marry.

"Marriage is a duty, a requirement from corporate society, and a rhythem of life in which everyone must participate. Otherwise, he who does not participate in it is a curse to the community, he is a rebel and a law-breaker, he is not only abnormal but under-human."

"The puberty rites do not prepare the young for marriage alone, they prepare them for procreation also; for, in African tradition, marriage and procreation are inseparable."

"It is indeed a religious duty for man to produce offspring, so that the existence of humanity can be prolonged."

"Barrenness, sterility and the unmarried state are threats to human existence and are, therefore, condemned by many West African societies childless people cannot become ancestors after death."

"There is no wealth where there are no children." [proverb]
"Nothing is as painful as when a man dies without leaving a child behind." [proverb]

Omoleye - children are the sources of prestige
Omololu - Children are the summit of achievement
Owotomo - Money is not as valuable as children

- Opoku, Kofi Asare. West African Traditional Religion. Accra, Ghana: Fep International Private Limited, 1978. p. 124, 125

"The facts in this African life which we shall endeavour to point out are the following:-
1st. ...Every male and female and marries at the proper age. Every woman is required and expects to perform her part of the function of motherhood - to do her share in continuing the human race."

- African Life and Custom [1908] by Edward W. Blyden [one of Our first Pan-Africanist], p. 10

So what is the meaning and purpose of people having children? It is a requirement of life simply.

**BabaYaw** · 09-07-2004

hotep

asante sana for this much needed info

i m about to copy and print these both and post up around me

this is what i was needing the ancestors have provided wisdom once again

ashe

**Baba Ahmed** · 09-08-2004

ck that out: a yungun posted this... when i was his age all I thought of was guns, money, and more guns...

keep step'n yunBlood; I mean High-Step'n not hi-jiving but whole prep'n as yall step; not hop'n da broom, but brooma sweep'n fore & aft for others to plainly see: ain't no shame in yall's game!

**Warrior Via** · 05-01-2005

most teens these days arnt even thinking about having kids
they just wanna have sex
to me the purpose of having kids isint just so they can
wash the dishes when your tierd or take out the garbage when your older
"although i know i'm gon do that"
life is one big lesson, that you dont understand till your dead
not having kids is like saying "i dont give a damn about this world"
cuz if you dont have kids then who's going to take care of this place when your gone?, who's gonna finish the race?
my kids are going to be the coolest kids i just know it
they gonna be sum strong, revolutionary, smart, trouble makers and straight bang'n on tha system!
i think stupid, obnoxious, selfish, racist white poeple should never ever have kids!

and thats real talk.

**Elisa Keisha** · 05-02-2005

lol @ Via... yeah gurl, peeps nowadays be like I dun have time to have kids... then what the fuck u doin with ur life time? workin? for what? learnin? for what?? if u can pass that wealth, knowdeldge and life lessons to anyone? peeps nowadays have taken to serius that "carpe diem" and live today like there aint no tomorrow, like its just me and everything ends when I die... oh please... Nature is the first voice u should listen...anytime! coz it JUST CANT be wrong... and first law of nature is reproduction. the rest come behind...

**Nadira_Akila** · 05-04-2005

Originally Posted by Elisa_Keisha

lol @ Via... yeah gurl, peeps nowadays be like I dun have time to have kids... then what the fuck u doin with ur life time? workin? for what? learnin? for what?? if u can pass that wealth, knowdeldge and life lessons to anyone? peeps nowadays have taken to serius that "carpe diem" and live today like there aint no tomorrow, like its just me and everything ends when I die... oh please... Nature is the first voice u should listen...anytime! coz it JUST CANT be wrong... and first law of nature is reproduction. the rest come behind...

I'm feeling this whole thing you just said. Why is anyone doing anything? Just to go through the motions?
Makes you think.

**Elisa Keisha** · 05-06-2005

They LIVE just for the feeding of their ego's

**Akyeame Kwame** · 05-06-2005

In Akan society back in the day WE would drive thorns into the soles of people who didn't have children so they would never tread this earth again...i guess having children was pretty important back then...

AK

**Im The Truth** · 09-22-2005

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**WombanAuset** · 12-10-2005

Bump it like its hot!!!

**BlakWolf** · 12-10-2005

i was under the impression the meaning and purpose of having kids was to pass on a legacy and the knowledge that you have attained

**Mosi Ngozi** · 12-10-2005

To continue the family name and most importantly to pass on a legacy. And to continue to fight the powers that be by any means necessary.

**NECKST** · 12-11-2005

Originally Posted by BabaYaw

hotep

like most of our people i constantly hear parents saying 'cant wait till they outta ma house'

i wonder what is the meaning and purpose of people having children?

any parents out there please respond as to why you have children.

hotep
black power
baba yaw

Excellent question!!!