Nigerian Mother Abroad Reveals Why Her Children Do Not Bathe Before School
A Nigerian woman residing overseas has sparked widespread discussion after explaining why her children do not take a bath before heading to school each morning. In a viral TikTok video, she detailed her shift from bathing them multiple times daily to a once-daily routine, primarily during the evening.
The Reason Behind the Change in Bathing Routine
Identified on TikTok as @joy.omoikho, the mother of three stated that she only allows her kids to skip morning baths during the winter season. She emphasized that the decision stems from concerns over cold weather and the risk of cattarh, a common respiratory issue. Instead, her children brush their teeth and apply body cream in the morning before leaving for school.
She captioned her video, "Morning school runs with I and my kids," highlighting the practical adjustments made for their daily routine. This revelation has ignited a mix of support and criticism from viewers worldwide.
Mixed Reactions from the Online Community
The video quickly trended, prompting numerous comments from users sharing diverse perspectives on hygiene and parenting practices.
- @mumtemmies expressed concern, stating, "This is why my kids complain some classmates stink in class. we all go through winter and my kids shower 2x and deeply moisturize... godforbid."
- @Duchess Nengi advised, "If u choose not to bath then in the morning its ur choice but their face and intimmate areas should be washed pls esp the girls."
- @C-HYNORC defended the mother, noting, "Why is some of u saying is not good, didn’t u all hear her explain which to a very normal person is true, even in this Nigeria wen hamattan comes out most of us don’t even bath often. Make una relax ooo HABA."
- @ireneanoh countered, "Even if the weather is -40 i can never send my kids to school without bathing them, but do what works for you Nne."
- @VERA added, "Na Nigeria dey take baffing serious o, them no dey baff go school for this side."
- @delicias4 shared a similar practice, saying, "I bathe the children in winter once a day and it’s at night, with that cold you can’t play."
Broader Context of Diaspora Experiences
This story resonates with broader narratives of Nigerian expatriates adapting to life abroad. In related news, individuals have returned to Nigeria after extended stays overseas, such as a man after 33 years in the UK and a nurse after eight years abroad. Additionally, a lady who relocated to the UK announced her permanent return to Nigeria after two years, citing personal reasons that captivated public attention.
The debate underscores cultural differences in hygiene practices and the challenges faced by parents navigating new environments. As more Nigerians share their experiences online, these discussions continue to highlight the intersection of tradition, health, and modern parenting in the diaspora.
