Queen contestants of the Hibiscus Festival 2025 presented by FMF are calling on parents, especially those who feel helpless as they watch their children slip away due to drugs, peer pressure, and mental health struggles, to take a more active role in the lives of their children.
While speaking on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan, the contestants urged parents to rebuild connections with their children and better understand the challenges facing today’s youth.
Miss Playland Fantasy, Talei May is encouraging parents not to lose hope if they feel their child is slipping away.
She says it is important for parents to remember they are not alone and that support is available.
Miss Yue Lai Hotel, Shyna Lata is urging parents to spend more quality time with their children and make a genuine effort to understand why they might seem distant or withdrawn.
She says young people face immense pressure to constantly improve, excel in their studies, secure employment, and meet family expectations.
She stressed that it is crucial for parents to truly listen and attend to their children’s emotional needs to help them cope better.
Miss I-Tech Pacific, Salanieta Galo echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that open communication and mutual understanding are vital in building trust.
She says that if her parents don’t understand her, she turns to her peers for that sense of belonging.
She adds that it takes a village to raise a child, and if a parent is struggling, the community should be there to step in and help.
Miss Merchant Finance, Maria Ali and Miss Emerald Developments, Phoebe Madden both emphasised the importance of strong emotional bonds between parents and children.
Ali says her mother supports her through one-on-one conversations, while Madden says her close relationship with her mother gives her someone to turn to during difficult times.
They say such connections help young people feel supported and build the confidence to overcome challenges.
The Hibiscus Festival 2025 concludes tomorrow night with the crowning of the new Queen expected to be at 8pm.
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