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On a recent episode of the News Central TV show, Jasiri, hosts Omotunde Adebowale-David and Dashen Usman engaged in a frank and lively discussion about the evolving relationship between parents and their children, particularly concerning financial expectations and the realities of modern life.
The conversation challenged traditional beliefs about parental sacrifice and filial responsibility.
Adebowale-David argued that while parents have a responsibility to their children, that duty has limits. She explained that she tells her children that she is responsible for them from birth until they complete their university education. After that, she believes there should be a “degree of independence” that they naturally gravitate toward.
Adebowale-David warned against parents who have unrealistic expectations, such as those who think their children will “cut the golden fleece” by going to Europe and then support them in retirement.
She emphasised that life is uncertain for this generation, and parents should not rely solely on their children for financial security.
She added that she is actively teaching her children the value of money by having them work on their crafts and spend their own earned allowances.
Dashen Usman built on this point, referencing an earlier conversation about some parents having children for “selfish reasons.”
While she acknowledged that there is nothing wrong with children taking care of their parents, she also criticised the manipulative tactics some parents employ.
Usman highlighted that in today’s uncertain economy, many young people are struggling to feed themselves and find jobs.
She noted that some parents, despite having more financial stability than their children, “milk them dry” out of a sense of entitlement.
Usman condemned the mindset of parents who use past sacrifices—such as carrying a child for nine months or paying school fees—as a justification to demand care, calling it a “wrong way to think.”
The discussion underscored a generational tension between parents’ hopes for a comfortable retirement and the harsh economic realities faced by their children.
Both hosts agreed that while respect and care for parents are important, a relationship built on manipulation and unrealistic financial demands is unhealthy for both parties.
