Image: Suzi Kim
Toxic parenting is a prevalent issue among many Africans, particularly within Generation Z.
However, it's a topic that most African parents are reluctant to discuss, often deeming it disrespectful.
Many believe their parenting styles are flawless, unaware of the psychological harm they may be causing their children.
This raises a critical question: Is parenting viewed as a sacrifice or merely a responsibility?
Engagement with individuals from diverse families reveals that a significant percentage silently endure childhood traumas.
Fear of being labeled ungrateful prevents them from speaking up against their parents' toxic behavior.
Consequently, these childhood traumas resurface in adulthood, prompting some victims to distance themselves from their parents in search of peace.
Home environments may even be perceived as prisons due to the pervasive negative energy.
Benjamin Zulu's channel shed light on this issue, prompting a viewer to express,
"Choosing not to return home after university was one of the best decisions I ever made for my growth and peace."
Mothers are often identified as the primary perpetrators of toxic behavior. Zulu remarked, "Some mothers, despite giving birth biologically, lack the emotional capacity to nurture and validate their children. They project their conflicts and insecurities onto them."
Previous generations of women are believed to have entered marriage for the wrong reasons, lacking individuality and marrying blindly.
Consequently, they may project their regrets onto their children, perpetuating toxic patterns.
Children raised in such environments may develop negative views of marriage and parenthood, fearing they will repeat the cycle of trauma.
Many opt to prioritize healing before considering starting families of their own in the future.
