When Kids Become Parents: The Growing Trend in Nigerian Homes

May 27th is Children’s Day in Nigeria a time to celebrate and reflect on the lives of our young ones. With over 110 million children in the country, many are sadly being forced to take on adult responsibilities.

Due to economic hardship, thousands of children now act as providers, with some in secondary school taking care of household needs. In some homes, these children can no longer be corrected by their parents because they see themselves as the head of the family

But why is this happening? What is pushing children to grow up faster and shoulder the burdens their parents once carried? Let’s take a closer look.

1. Economic Challenges Are Changing Family Roles

In many households, especially across Nigeria and other developing countries, the rising cost of living has placed serious pressure on families. With limited job opportunities and low wages for parents, many children especially those who finish school early or find work in creative industries start contributing financially at a young age.

Some children feel they have no choice but to take care of their siblings, pay bills, or even build houses for their parents. It’s no longer uncommon to see a 20-year-old as the breadwinner of a family of six.

2. Early Exposure to Responsibility

Children today are growing up faster than before. With access to technology and the internet, many are exposed early to real-world issues money, politics, relationships, and more. This exposure often pushes them into maturity much sooner than previous generations.

As a result, they begin to think and act like adults, sometimes outshining their parents in decision-making, planning, and even emotional control.

3. Parents Are Getting Older—or Struggling with Health

In some cases, children are stepping up simply because their parents are aging or battling health issues. When illness or aging slows down a parent’s ability to lead the home, it’s often the child especially the firstborn who fills that gap.

They may take on tasks like managing household finances, attending to younger siblings, or supporting the family emotionally and mentally.

4. Cultural Expectations and Pressure

In African culture, there is often a strong sense of family duty placed on the children, especially those who are seen as “successful.” Once a child gets a job, starts a business, or gains a little financial freedom, the expectation to “give back” kicks in sometimes heavily.

This pressure can turn children into caregivers and providers before they’ve had the chance to fully live their own lives.

5. Technology Has Shifted Power Dynamics

In some homes, children are more tech-savvy than their parents. From handling online transactions to managing social media, children are often the ones with the digital skills needed for daily life.

This has shifted the power dynamics in families, with children sometimes leading in areas where their parents feel lost or outdated.