If you grew up in a Nigerian home, then you already know Nigerian parents can turn ordinary advice into unforgettable life lessons. Sometimes the advice sounds funny at first, but later in life you realize they actually had a point. Nigerian parents believe strongly in hard work. From childhood, many children hear things like “Book first before anything else” or “No pain, no gain.” Whether you liked it or not, education was treated seriously in most homes. Another funny thing is how Nigerian parents compare children. There is always one mysterious child somewhere doing better than everybody else. You could score high in school and still hear, “Your mate is doing more than this.” At that moment it feels annoying, but many parents say they only wanted their children to stay focused. Nigerian mothers especially have superhuman abilities. They can remember every wrong thing you did years ago and still bring it up during random conversations. They also know how to stretch food and manage resources in difficult times better than most people. Fathers too have their own style. Some can give one serious look and everybody in the house immediately becomes quiet. Others believe every problem can be solved with discipline and prayer. But beyond the strictness, many Nigerian parents sacrifice a lot for their children. Some work long hours, skip personal enjoyment, and struggle financially just to make sure their children survive and succeed. As people grow older, they start understanding the pressure many parents were facing. Raising children in Nigeria is not easy, especially with school fees, feeding, transport, and bills constantly increasing. That is why many adults eventually appreciate the lessons they once complained about. Nigerian parents may not always express emotions openly, but many of them genuinely want their children to have a better future than they had.
