Growing up as a child in an African home, my parents were the strictest people I have ever seen on earth. Very strict and full of laws and policies. Don't do this. Don't eat this. Do that. Do this. Go there. Come here. I will slap you. Bring my belt. I carried you for 9 months. How do you think we got the money we used to cook the food you have been eating for 2 days now? Come back home before 5pm (even as a guy), young man, where are you coming from? Common sense is not common, I don't want you to have too many friends, go and sleep, go into your room and read, go do your homework, your mate are taking first in class and you are here, taking second. And so the list goes on.
A typical Nigerian, or should I say African kid will relate to each and everyone of these statements. No explanation attached, but I know, someone reading this will be having memories flashing through their head right now.
As a child, everything we do is regulated by our parents. Even going to to sleep. You'll hear something like - this boy, you don too play.. oya leave that place enter your room go sleep (in he afternoon, not night). Meaning - this boy, you have over played. Get inside your room for an afternoon nap.
When watching a movie with parents, we tend to remove our face anytime we see a scene of two adults kissing. Either we remove our face, or our parents change the channel until the kissing is over, or we get a bombastic side eye. Haha. Trust me, you don't want to get that eye.
My parents are best when it comes to regulating what I watch. Though I don't like watching drama and romance when I was a kid, I always follow their footsteps to change the channel whenever i see two people kissing. Even when my parents are not around.
My best series as a kid was power rangers. Lol. Always dragging with my brother and friends who the red ranger is and who the white and black ranger is. Always mimicking the flips done in the film. Fighting wrestling in the bedroom just to mimick how the red ranger fights the bad guys. Haha
The only time we are allowed to see a movie is when we are done with every work we have to do. Normally, I would not want to be distracted from the movie, so I will want to finish every single thing. Do even the ones I was not sent. Haha. The only time I do have issues with my parent pertaining movies is when I do not finish my house work including my school works, or when I watch something off (which i don't do). Except that, I am good to go.
I grew up with this mentality and will like to be better than my parent. They were really strict. Though it made me though and well, disciplined, I instilled a sense of fear in me towards them. Now that is not what I want for my children. I will guide them just like my parents guide me. Sometimes, I even watch movies with my parents yaknow. They are that loving but the strictness is something else. When getting a whooping, you will question if I am a criminal or a son. Haha
I will love to raise my children with this guidance but I will not want to be as strict as that. Maybe a little less strict but a no nonsense father. I want my children see life at its raw-est form and also, see life at its roses form.
The parent guidance 13 is actually a good one. personally, it helped my parents determine what movies i can watch with them, and what movies i will not be able to watch with them. Though when I was younger, I hated it, but when I grew older, I came to understand and accept it.
However, for the ones that are rated 13 but are not good for below 13 year olds, I think something should be done about it. Though it is not in my power, the government should do something about it. Oh, children should not be allowed to watch that type of movies. Either you give them their favorite non-sexual movie or you watch any other type of movie with them to make sure that it's not sexually related. If it is, then change all the way.
Thank you for reading 😊
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Hehe.. I believe we all have a story to tell especially about that kissing scenes 😂 😂 .
Lol..
I said it 😹😹 seems like you have a lot of stories. Haha.
Memories are really sweet to hold on to ya'know
Ahh... I definitely have a whole lot especially coming in from a yoruba mother 🤣
Lol..
Ekpami ooo
Being too strict on children will make them fear you not respect you. So when raising kids, try not to be too strict.... And as you said... A no nonsense father.
Youre very correct.
It is better for children to love and respect you as a parent,not fear you.
Thank you for stopping by
You're very much welcome.