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Quietly Loud
Creative Writer | History Student | Learning People and Processes @ Lagos State University
Creative Writer | History Student | Learning People and Processes @ Lagos State University
Rethinking How We Raise African Children
<p>I came across a post a few days ago, and it’s been on my mind since then. It really touched on something that I believe is quite common especially in many African or Nigerian homes: how we view discipline.</p><p><br/></p><p>The African parenting style often emphasizes strict discipline “don’t give the child a chance to misbehave.” But in many cases, we don’t just discipline; we suppress. We abuse the idea of discipline and use it to limit creativity, curiosity, and growth.</p><p><br/></p><p>In the post, a Nigerian father shared how he engages his children during holidays and mid-term breaks not with just books and extra lessons, but with games and activities that support brain development. He mentioned playing games like chess and scrabble with them games that build vocabulary, strategic thinking, and patience. He encourages hands-on learning, like sewing, crocheting and even has his daughters making clothes and hats for their younger brother.</p><p><br/></p><p>I was honestly shocked in a good way. Because it’s rare to see Nigerian parents publicly supporting play-based learning or skills training at a young age. Many parents would rather dismiss such activities as “wasting time” or even accuse schools of trying to “eat their money” when fees are requested for extra-curriculars.</p><p><br/></p><p>But children learn through play. Scrabble builds vocabulary. Chess teaches planning and patience. Swimming is a life skill, not a luxury. Running improves health. Taekwondo or karate teaches discipline and self-defense. Ballet builds balance, focus, and expression. These things matter just as much as math and English.</p><p><br/></p><p>Unfortunately, these opportunities are mostly found in expensive private schools. But it shouldn't be that way. Basic survival and life skills like swimming, critical thinking, or creativity should be standard, not a privilege.</p><p><br/></p><p>So to parents, I say: Don’t shut down every activity that doesn’t look “academic.” Not every useful skill comes from a textbook. Don’t be the reason your child grows up with a limited worldview or suppressed potential.</p><p><br/></p><p>Let’s raise children who are smart, skilled, expressive, and whole not just “well-behaved."</p>
Rethinking How We Raise African Children
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Quietly Loud
Quietly Loud
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