A recent survey by UNICEF and the National Bureau of Statistics found that 84% of Nigerian children aged 5-14 have experienced violent discipline, with 70% facing psychological aggression. These experiences can leave lasting scars, as many Nigerians recall hurtful things their parents said to them while growing up. From insults to rejection, these comments have affected how they see themselves.
Nigerian singer Spyro recently spoke about his childhood, revealing that his father's beatings left physical marks that still linger over 20 years later. He also recalled being publicly accused of stealing, which made him feel like a failure. Similarly, Nigerian actor Charles Born shared that his father repeatedly told him he was "useless" and would "never amount to anything." These stories highlight that childhood experiences can have a lasting impact.
Many Nigerians have shared their own stories of hurtful comments from their parents. One person recalled their biological mother telling them she had been suffering since giving birth to them and cursed them, saying they would "suffer till you die." Another person shared that their mother said, "I should have killed you while birthing you" when they refused to do chores. These comments have caused lasting pain and emotional distress.
Some Nigerians have shared experiences of being made to feel responsible for things that were not their fault. One person recalled their mother saying, "I know you are the one who made me lose so many babies after you. Please, don’t kill this one for me." This comment was made because the person's sibling was born 9 years after them, and their mother was worried about losing another child.
Parents' comments can also affect a child's self-esteem and identity. One person shared that their parents called them "stupid" frequently while growing up, which took a long time to overcome. Another person recalled their parents denying them university education, which made them feel unwanted. These experiences have shaped how they see themselves and their place in the world.
Family dynamics and expectations can also play a role in hurtful comments. One person shared that their father never accepted them because they were a girl, treating them like a bastard child. Another person recalled their mother calling them a prostitute whenever they reported being disturbed by a boy. These comments have caused lasting emotional pain and distress.
The impact of these hurtful comments can be long-lasting, affecting relationships and self-esteem. One person shared that their mother told them never to smile, saying their teeth were the color of their door. Another person recalled being told, "I used you for practical purposes; your whole childhood was an experiment." These experiences highlight the need for empathy and understanding in parent-child relationships.
Key points
- Many Nigerians recall hurtful comments from their parents that have lasted a lifetime.
- A recent survey found that 84% of Nigerian children aged 5-14 have experienced violent discipline.
- These experiences can affect self-esteem, identity, and relationships, highlighting the need for empathy and understanding in parent-child relationships.
