Veteran Nollywood actress Chinyere Wilfred has voiced her concerns about the rising rate of broken homes and the challenges of parenting in today’s digital age.
In an exclusive interview with The Nation, the actress, who has been married for over three decades, attributed marital instability to the erosion of traditional values and the increasing influence of social media.
“Today’s parents are part of Gen Z. Back in the day, our parents had clear boundaries,” she remarked. “What we see today is shocking. People get married, you buy aso ebi, and before you know it, they’re divorced. Marriage isn’t just a party dress that you wear and then discard.”
On the topic of modern parenting, the actress stressed the importance of balancing guidance with freedom. She noted that many African mothers mistakenly equate excessive discipline with love.
“While filming Sands of Time, I saw myself in that character. I didn’t realise how I was overreacting with my children until I watched the playback. It hit me that I was being too controlling. When I got home, I softened my approach, especially with my son. Even now, as a graduate, he still can’t sleep out. I thought I was protecting him, but I was overprotecting him,” she explained.
“We believe we are loving our children, but sometimes, we end up stifling them. Sands of Time is more than just a series; it’s a conversation starter. It teaches us to listen more, to trust more, and to breathe.
“Parenting has become more complex, but the key is to find balance between guidance and freedom, as well as discipline and understanding,” she added.