OMG Uwem :(

Did your mother know?

Is it customary in Nigeria to beat your children?

That is absolutely horrible and would be very hard to forgive.

Your children are fortunate you took the high road and did not repeat the sins of your father.

I gave my kids the silent treatment at times. My mom did that to me and I just carried it on knowing how much it hurt. I apologized to all of them after I wrote that article. I realized I had done some pretty scarring things. But only one of the 4 remembered!

My parents had a leather belt hanging in the closet and all my mom would have to say was, "do you want me to get the belt?" and we behaved. Not once did they ever use it. My dad hit me once when he lost his temper but my mom didn't believe it when I told her. I kind of deserved it but was still shocked.

I got some very nasty comments for that article. I realized the "one big apology" could not cover it for several people (such as yourself) and they let me know in a pretty scathing manner. But, they were right and I told them that. When I get a mean comment I try to see the point of view of that person and I learn that way.

Thank you for reading, commenting, and opening a wound to tell me about your childhood.