THE Vice President of the Senate, Jean D’Arc Gakuba has called on parents to balance work and parenting responsibilities.  She made the call while presiding over the commemoration of the first International Day of the Girl Child in Kigali on Thursday.Her remarks should be taken seriously. With urbanisation and work pressures, parents spend more time away from their children. Many parents find themselves with no time for children living them in the hands of house helps. However, no one can act as a substitute of a parent in a child’s upbringing. Lately, the media has been awash with stories of drug abuse among school going children. These are indicators of poor parenting, which should be addressed collectively by all stake- holders.  Raising children is the responsibility of every parent and should not be compromised by anything else. Parents should find time to bond with their children and teach them values that will help them grow into responsible citizens.  As a parent you are the first role model of your child. As a country we should re-emphasise our African parenting culture, which underlines strong values of discipline and collective responsibility in shaping the future of our children.  We should not raise children who grow up not knowing the difference between right and wrong.  Responsible Parenting should be every ones concern. It is the basis on which a strong foundation for future generations is built. The consequences of poor parenting can have adverse future effects.