She Tried to Blend Cultures in Parenting, But Her Mother's Hidden Agenda Drove a Wedge Between Her and Her Partner.

Twitter Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Flip it

Amidst the backdrop of an American setting, the Original Poster (OP) faces a cultural clash with her Nigerian mother over differing parenting philosophies. As tensions escalate, the household reaches a breaking point when OP’s deeply rooted values confront traditional African expectations, culminating in an explosive family confrontation.

Roots and New Beginnings

happy woman financially confident — image credit: rido/canva

OP, a 26-year-old woman, was born and raised in Nigeria but later moved to the US. She has a five-year-old son, conceived out of wedlock. Facing traditional African disapproval, she was disowned by her family.

Reconciliation

younger woman smiling — image credit: rido/canva

After a significant time apart, OP rebuilt her relationship with her mother and sister. In January, they arrived for a visit with hopes of a more united family, eager to meet their grandson and nephew.

Intervening Matriarch

woman hand on face tired worried stressed sad guilt depressed grief troubled — image credit: g-stock-studio/shutterstock

The initial days of their visit went smoothly. However, tensions began to surface when OP’s mother offered unsolicited parenting advice, despite OP’s independence in raising her son without his father.

Babysitter Replaced

woman with child piggy bank — image credit: rido/canva

To build a closer bond with her grandson, OP’s mother offered to take over the babysitting responsibilities. OP, in good faith, agreed to this arrangement while she went to work full-time at a new job.

Quarantine Complications

sad young beautiful woman with worried stressed face expression looking down — image credit: pathdoc/shutterstock

The emergence of the coronavirus forced everyone indoors, resulting in OP resuming work from home. This situation meant spending increased hours with her son, mother, and sister, intensifying family dynamics.

Grandmother’s Spoils

woman upset feels tricked and made stressed stupid — image credit: khosro/canva

OP observed her mother overindulging her son frequently with treats, extra playtime, and screen time. Keeping her reservations to herself, OP rationalized that her mother was compensating for lost time with her grandson.

The Screen Time Clash

frustrated teenager in casual style sweatshirt kid child — image credit: khosro/shutterstock

One day, after exceeding his allotted screen time, OP’s son demanded more. When OP firmly denied him, he threw a tantrum, escalating the situation. Typically, when this would happen, OP would send him to his room or ignore him.

Public Confrontation

poc woman angry frustrated — image credit: RollingCamera/shutterstock

Amidst the outburst, OP’s mother intervened, attempting to sway her decision in front of her son. This interference and disregard for boundaries deeply frustrated OP, and she knew she had to draw a boundary.

Feminism and Parenting

young annoyed angry woman with bad attitude giving talk to hand gesture stop — image credit: esb-professional/shutterstock

When OP tells her son, “No means no,” her mother criticizes her for allegedly introducing her son to “feminist talk.” OP defended her parenting choices, highlighting her son’s understanding of consent.

A Cultural Chasm

woman hold on stop no back space — image credit: cast-of-thousands/shutterstock

To their traditional mindset, OP’s response was a direct affront. While she rarely confronted her mother or elders, their continuous provocations had taken a toll. OP’s mother was shocked by her backtalk.

Western Influence

mother daughter talking fighting conflict — image credit: syda-productions canva

The mother accused OP of allowing Western influence to alter her traditions and values. She regretted permitting OP’s move to the US, where she believed her daughter had lost her original identity.

Forced Apology

woman begging please prayers sorry — image credit: cast-of-thousands/shutterstock

Although pained by the unfolding events, OP chose peace over confrontation. She apologized, hoping to mend the increasingly fragile family ties with her mother, afraid of losing them for good.

Behind the Scenes Manipulation

woman undecided huh what — image credit: dean-drobot/canva

Soon after, OP discovered her mother undermining her authority with her son. Her mother encouraged the boy to disregard OP’s decisions, driving a wedge between mother and son. This was something OP could not allow to continue.

The Ultimatum

woman proud confident pointing at herself — image credit: khosro/canva

Pushed to her limit, OP gave her mother a choice: Either respect her parenting decisions or leave her home. Enraged, her mother chose the latter. OP’s mother and sister departed abruptly, leaving OP uncertain about their whereabouts.

Cultural Conflicts

woman stern pointing — image credit: khosro/canva

Reflecting on the events, OP questioned whether her time in America had compromised her Nigerian values. Having heard of the incident, her extended family in Nigeria expressed their disapproval.

Alienation and Despair

woman head on hand bothered by mistake situation having bad headache stressed — image credit: pathdoc/shutterstock

Efforts to reconnect with her mother proved futile, with calls being ignored. To add to OP’s heartache, her son, influenced by recent events, distanced himself, viewing his mother as the antagonist.

Was The Woman’s Behavior Appropriate?

young woman stressed angry — image credit: cast-of-thousands/shutterstock

Sad and confused, OP posts her story online for the feedback and advice of the internet community. The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter.

Forum Responds

mother scolding unhappy — image credit: khosro/canva

One reader said, “She went overboard trying to undermine your parenting and telling your son to not listen to you. Don’t budge for tantrums and guilt-filled disappointment talks from relatives.”

Another Commenter Thinks

male pointing upset — image credit: khosro/canva

Another responder wrote, “If she’s going to rely on you for housing, she needs to respect your rules regarding your child, especially when you tell her it is important to you.”

A Third View on The Story

male shocked thinking idea opens mouth widely, raises fore finger as gets idea or remembers to do something not in time — image credit: cast-of-thousands/shutterstock

A different person stated, “It is your child and your house, your rules. You said to yourself you were disowned and forged your own future. No matter what country and society, you held your own flag and future.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

woman pointing at you — image credit: khosro/canva

Another reader commented, “Your biggest responsibility is to your child and doing what is best to raise him to be a responsible adult one day. As a single parent with a lot on your plate already, the last thing you need is someone undermining you every step of the way.”