Sometimes, the things we hear make us pause and ask, "What really is happening in our homes?" A recent story going viral has left many Nigerians speechless – not just because a child did something wrong, but because of how he was punished.
So here's what happened…
A young boy, reportedly hungry, stole a piece of meat from his stepmother’s pot of soup. Now, we’re not saying stealing is okay — not at all. But what happened next is what has people across the country talking. His stepmother allegedly responded with a punishment described by neighbors as “wicked.” That word alone sends chills.
Although the details of the punishment haven’t been made public, the way it’s being described suggests it was cruel, possibly abusive — something no child should ever be subjected to, no matter what they did.
But Let’s Be Honest — Was This Really About the Meat?
Let’s look beyond the act itself. A child steals a piece of meat… why? Was he hungry? Was he being starved or neglected? Was it just a moment of childish mischief?
And more importantly, how should any adult — especially a guardian — respond?
We all know parenting isn't easy. Children will test boundaries, make mistakes, and sometimes even push us to the edge. But that’s where maturity, love, and responsibility should come in. Discipline isn’t meant to humiliate or destroy — it’s supposed to teach.
When Punishment Crosses the Line
The kind of punishment described in this case sounds like it crossed that line. And this is where we need to reflect as a society: At what point does “discipline” become abuse?
Experts say when a punishment causes fear, trauma, or physical harm — especially to a child — it’s no longer discipline. It’s violence. And yes, violence can happen in our homes even in the name of “correcting a child.”
There Are Better Ways to Raise Children
Children don’t need to be broken before they become obedient. They need guidance, structure, and love. You can correct a child without scarring them. Here are some better ways to discipline:
Talk to them. Ask why they did what they did.
Teach responsibility. Help them understand consequences — not through pain, but through reasoning.
Reward good behavior. Positive reinforcement works wonders.
Be consistent. Children thrive when they know what to expect.
What If This Was Your Child?
Imagine if this was your child… your younger brother… your neighbor’s son. Would you feel this punishment was right? Would you say, “He deserved it,” or would your heart break?
This isn’t just about one child. This is about many children across Nigeria who are silently suffering behind closed doors, in the name of discipline. And it’s time we speak up.
Final Thoughts
What this stepmother did — whatever it was — has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many. No, stealing meat isn’t good. But punishing a child with wickedness is far worse.
Let’s raise children who know love, who understand right from wrong through guidance — not fear. Let’s build homes where correction doesn’t come with trauma.
The question remains:
Was this the right punishment to give a child?
If your answer is no, then maybe it’s time we start having bigger conversations about how we discipline our children.