I do not intend to start an engaging and insightful weekly column without first introducing it. Therefore, let me officially introduce to you my column, Candid Pen®, published every Friday on Nigerian Parents Magazine (NPM). As the name indicates, the objective is to bring to you my candid opinion on some areas of our lives. The column is part of the promise we have made to keep NPM as engaging and as community oriented as possible. I strongly believe that starting this conversation is a good way to build a stronger Nigerian diaspora community. You are welcome to comment, disagree, or even write a rebuttal. Nonetheless, in your comments or write-up, bear in mind that NPM is a family magazine.
About a year ago, when NPM picked up its current steam, it was met with critical acclaim. The magazine was praised for daring to focus on an area that has previously been ignored by mainstream media. Right off the bat, our goal was to create a platform that would allow us to interact and provide support to one another concerning some of our most basic yet very important needs. High on our list of priorities was creating a platform that would allow us to interact with our children on levels that cannot be found anywhere on mainstream or social media—by sharing, for example, our culture and childhood experiences as Nigerians.
As Nigerian parents, we yell and scream regardless of where we are. We are ready to kick and hit if necessary. We hold our children to the highest standards, sometimes putting them under excessive pressure, yet I have no doubt that we are some of the most loving parents on the planet. But do our children understand where we are coming from? A Nigerian-American child from New York once wrote on Reddit that the Nigerian parenting culture and style comes from the pit of hell. I cannot stress enough how important it is that our children do not continue to believe this. Even just one of them thinking this way is one too many. In fact, the need to correct this single statement is what motivated the creation of NPM.
My column, Candid Pen®, will delve into some of these areas of our lives in the diaspora not because I am an expert but because we need the conversation. I understand how busy many of us are with trying to make ends meet. However, it is my hope and aspiration that you will join me in this service to the Nigerian diaspora community.
Welcome to Candid Pen®.
This Post Has 3 Comments
I use to be in that school of thought (Nigeria parenting was hell) not until I grew older, went to college alone then I understood my parents where equipping me for my future.
my parents loved me and didn’t want me making mistake they have seen others made and failed in it.
Those yelling and so on where the way I walked on as a person when no one was there to guide me.
Generalizations are dangerous. I dont know about the parenting style of that child’s parents or what his /her experiences were, but I know that I am a product of Nigrrian parenting style and I believe I turned out right wiith all my brothers and sisters. I also know hindres of parents who have raised phenomenal kids. I feel for that kid, if his/her up brinling was filled with sorrow. I hope he can understand the intentions of his or her parents as they, hopefully, tried to raise him/her right.
This is a great innovation and venture. I wish you divine wisdom, speed and assistance in the realization and maintenance of this great project, in Jesus name. Amen.