African parents are known for one thing when it comes to parenting "tough love". They are not big on the showing physical emotions, and usually use various means to get their kids to the things they want.
The lies
Now back to these tough love, we've all had these outrageous lies told us to keep in check or from taking a certain action.
I will give you back your money (but you'll never see it again 😭)
This often happens when there's a visitor in the house, who when leaving gives us some N100 naira to N1000 naira, sometimes more. Now, my mom will immediately take the money from me with the promise that she will give it back when I need it but you and I both know that it's not coming back to me.
Don't swallow orange seed (orange tree will grow in your body)
Haaaa, this one scared me the most. I remember swallow an orange seed and cried like never before. I was so scared of sleeping that night so I don't wake up the next morning with a tree in my morning.
Go and get your slippers, I'm waiting for you. (Only for your to find out she's gone.🏃)
The kind of lies we tell kids 😂😂. Once the child goes to look for the slippers, they are off. The child will come looking for the parent, which eillm results to cries and tantrums.
You'll grow tall if you eat bean 🫘 (I've been eating beans since childhood and I've still not grown tall 😒)
They told me this because I didn't like beans but still after several years of eating beans, I'm still where I am.
Don't worry, I will be back before you know it (But they will stay out for hours). Especially when they want to go to the market or visit someone. Why don't you tell me you're not certain of when you'll come back than lie and leave me waiting for you for hours.
If a man touch you, you'll get pregnant just like that (that means I can't even sit with a guy 🤦)
This lie eh, it's something else. Whh won't African parents give their children a proper Sex education instead of beating round the bush. This lie often cause more harm than good for some kids especially for.curiois kids who would want to confirm if it's true, and sometimes learn the hard way.
My reaction to the lie
It was more of an eye roll. I understand why they wanted to keep us in check and not go beyond the line they've drawn. Realizing that all of the above were lies hurt me to an extent especially when you are expecting to get the money back only to be asked if you've not been eating and why you need the money for. As I grew up, I knew these lies were told to keep kids in check.
Do you subscribe to telling lies
No, I'm not in the party of lying to your kids just because you want to keep them in check. What we fail to understand is that kids these days are smarter than they look. It's better you are honest to them to an extent. At least, explain to them why they won't work instead of outrightly lying to them.
I invite @ability20, @fuli, and sammy1109 to also participate in this contest.