Nigerian songstress Aituaje “Waje” Iruobe, has said she is not going to let her daughter end up a single mother like she did.
Speaking on her parenting style amongst other things, she said, “I’m a mother but I know where to draw the line.
Explaining her reason for such a strict stance, Waje said: “It is because I don’t want her to make the same mistakes I made. I feel like some of the decisions I made was because I was raised differently.”
Recognising the generation gap, she explained that unlike when she was a kid, she takes the time to explain the effects of actions, rather than just saying no.
Furthermore, she explained her point by revealing that giving reasons for decisions helped parents make their points clear to their kids.
“For example, parents say, ‘don’t drink because I said so’ not, ‘don’t drink because it is bad for your health’”; Waje explained.
“But I’m learning that for the children of this age, you have to tell them all the reasons why they should not do certain things.”
Waje also said she taught her daughter, Emerald, that there is a reward for good deeds, and punishment for misdeeds. As she put it, “While my daughter was growing up, I took up the reward method; you do good, you get good. There was a consequence for every action.”
She however admits that the blessing of being a mom has made her a better person.
“I have learnt to be patient, more accommodating and to pay attention to details as a mom,” she said.
“I have also learnt to map out my priorities, because there are some things I simply cannot do as a mom.”
