There is no one specific way that parents raise their kids. No matter the race or ethnicity, every parent has their own style of how they choose to raise their kids. With that being said, there are morals that people grew up on, and some are based off of geographical location. They then pass those morals they grew up on down to their kids. If you are a first-generation kid with parents who were born in Nigeria or West Africa, then you might be able to relate to a few of these things.
1. Sleepovers aren't a thing.
The traditional answer to when you ask your parents if you can go to a sleepover is, "You can sleep in your own house." And don't even think about being late for curfew.
2. Talking back is a no-no.
Growing up, you can go over to your non-African friend's house and witness them talking back to their parents. If you ever do slip-up and talk back they say, "Ah ah is this what you've been learning at your friend's house?"
3. Jollof rice is a staple item.
Some may call it the most basic Nigerian dish, but it is almost impossible to have a bad plate of it, so you love it.
4. You went to parties as a kid so you'd get "sprayed."
There were many times when you'd head out to the dance floor as a kid and dance near familiar relatives so they'd spray you with money. Being sprayed is basically dancing and have people give you money as you go.
5. Everyone's your aunt, uncle, cousin, etc.
Anyone who is a close family friend becomes your blood relative. There are so many people like this and you no longer question who is actually related to you and who's not.
6. You don't walk past your parents without greeting them.
When you see your parents for the first time that day, the first words out of your mouth better be "good morning" or "good afternoon," or else you should expect them to say something about it. There is no getting past it.
7. You must kneel when greeting people.
When an extended family member or family friend is around you have to kneel and greet them.
8. You're expected to become a lawyer or a doctor.
It's become a little lenient over the years. As long as you go into a field like dentistry, pharmacy, law, or engineering, then you're fine. Anything else and you will be secretly judged.
9. When your parents don't want to answer the phone they talk quiet, so the person won't hear them.
You notice they don't want to answer the phone so you start talking about something else, but they shush you.
10. Parents tell you to read your books everyday.
If you go away to college they will ask you if you're reading your books everyday.
11. Your parents call you from upstairs to pass the remote.
The remote, glasses, keys, you name it. They will call you from somewhere else to pass you something that is in the same room as them.
12. Parents don't smile in pictures.
They love pictures, but do not smile in them for some reason.
13. Your mom shouts on the phone.
You call it shouting, and she calls it talking.
All of these and many more are definite proof that you've grown up in a Nigerian or West African household. You could not be more proud of where you've come from, and love all of these experiences because they've shaped you into the person you are today.
