The Parenting Power of African Mothers
The Parenting Power of African MothersA Loving Look at Tough Love from the Continent’s Strongest Women
If you grew up with an African mother, you know that parenting on this continent isn’t just about raising children — it’s about raising warriors. African moms don’t play. They are fierce, protective, loving, and sometimes downright terrifying… but it’s all rooted in deep, unshakable love.
Let’s unpack the unforgettable parenting style and “punishments” that many of us still carry in our adult personalities today — for better or for “you better behave.”
👀 The Famous Look
You don’t need a whole conversation when your mom can give you The Look from across a room and instantly correct your entire life. Whether you were fidgeting in church or talking too much in a visitor’s presence, that eye was the silent slap.
💥 Tools of Discipline (a.k.a. Weapons of Mass Correction)
African moms are resourceful. Any object could become a correction tool. Think:
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The flip-flop (sleeper) that flew like a heat-seeking missile.
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The wooden spoon, usually from the pot you just stole meat out of.
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The belt, which mysteriously appeared from nowhere.
Don’t ask us how — just know it worked. 😂
🗣️ Proverbs as Weapons
Why shout when a proverb slices deeper?
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“A child who doesn’t listen at home will learn in the streets.”
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“The ear that refuses to hear will feel the pain.”
African mothers are philosophers. Every rebuke was a TED Talk, and every story had a moral. You never just got shouted at — you got schooled.
💔 The Silent Guilt Combo
Sometimes they didn’t beat you. Sometimes it was worse — The Silence. Add that with lines like:
“After everything I’ve done for you, is this how you thank me?”
“One day when I’m gone, you’ll remember me.”
And just like that, you were crying into your pillow with a sore heart and a confused soul. 😭
🍛 “Have You Eaten?” = “I Love You”
You may never hear the words “I love you” said out loud, but:
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A mountain of food,
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Your favorite stew,
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And leftovers packed in Tupperware like you're going to war…
That’s African mom language for “I love you deeply.” Their love is in the cooking pot, the packed lunch, and the care when you’re sick — even if she says, “You should’ve worn a jersey!”
🎓 Education Was Not Optional
You were born with your name, and your mother’s expectations. Passing at school wasn’t an achievement — it was your job.
“I didn’t carry you for 9 months for you to bring home 47%!”
“Do you want to end up like that boy from next door?”
Motivation? Fear? A little of both. But either way, African moms believed in success and hard work — and failure was not an option.
👵🏾 Respect Is Law
🙏 The Power of Prayer (and Threats)
“Holy Spirit, deal with this child the way You see fit.”
Suddenly, you’re cleaning the kitchen, doing homework, and rethinking your life.
💛 The Love Beneath It All
African mothers are tough because they have to be. They love hard, work endlessly, and sacrifice silently.
They may never say it often, but everything they do screams:
“I want the best for you.”
💬 Final Word?
If you ever heard:
“Try me and see if you don’t meet your ancestors today…”
Just know — you were loved. Fiercely. Proudly. Africanness is not just in the language or food — it’s in how we were raised. And we thank our mothers for that. 🥹🌸
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