Filmmaker Biodun Stephen Urges Parents Not to Surrender Authority to Breadwinning Children

Renowned Nigerian filmmaker Biodun Stephen has urged parents not to relinquish their authority or responsibilities to their children, even when those children become the family’s primary breadwinners.

In a recent post shared on her social media page, Stephen emphasized that a child’s financial contribution should never blur parental boundaries or diminish the value of good parenting.

According to her, maintaining discipline and guidance remains essential, regardless of who provides financially for the household.

She wrote, “Poverty does not diminish the role of good parenting. That your child is the breadwinner doesn’t mean the baton of parenting is now the child’s, as long as the said child, under the law and your household rules, is still recognised as a child.”

The filmmaker noted that while life’s circumstances may sometimes make children the main providers, parents must not abandon their duty to lead and nurture.

“Of course, life happens such that the child may become the breadwinner. It doesn’t mean as parents we dance to the tune of that child, forgetting our roles in the first place,” she added.

Stephen explained that her advice was prompted by a documentary she watched, which highlighted how some parents lose moral authority once a child begins to provide for the family.

She concluded by urging parents to remain steadfast in their roles regardless of financial circumstances.

“Saw a documentary that triggered me so, and I see how this plays out here, even on SM Street. Parents, play your role regardless,” she wrote.