Keeping it real with Oyin - KIRO

It’s a phrase many African parents living abroad have said or at least thought.

But what do we actually mean when we say it?
Do we mean they’re becoming disrespectful?

Too independent?
Too outspoken?
They question everything?

They don’t want to follow traditions simply because, “That’s how we do it”?
They’re dressing differently?
They’re more comfortable talking about relationships, s*x, emotions or mental health?
Or perhaps they simply don’t see the world exactly the way we do.

And this is where the conversation gets interesting.

Because not everything we call “Westernisation” is a loss of culture.
Sometimes, our children are simply growing up in a culture that is different from the one we grew up in.
I am not saying we have to accept every influence around them.

Our job as parents is still to give them values, boundaries, identity and a strong sense of where they come from.
But we also need to be able to distinguish between:

“This goes against our family values”

and

“This is different from what I was used to growing up.”

Those two things are not always the same.
So, when you say, “My child is becoming too Westernised,”…

what exactly are you worried about?
And perhaps even more importantly:
Is it your child’s behaviour that needs examining or your definition of what a “good African child” should look like?

Let’s talk about it. 👀

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For some, University starts in TWO WEEKS. 🎓😭

And while students are thinking about accommodation, packing and their new-found freedom…

Some parents are quietly thinking:

“What am I going to do when they’re gone?”

If you’re getting ready for the uni drop-off, we’re bringing this conversation back.

🎙️ EMPTY NESTING

In this episode of Keeping It Real with Oyin, we talk about the part of university preparation that doesn’t make it onto the packing list — the emotional transition for parents.

The pride, excitement, worry, empty bedroom and the sudden quiet.

Because preparing your child to leave home is one thing.
Preparing yourself to let them go is another.

If your child is heading to university this year, this episode is for you. 💛

🎧 Listen now on Spotify.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6jlY7cXJu4mhf2z67fYqbR?si=_ynvQknIRTaQsV0zZ-xmCQ&utm_source=copy-link

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