Chinyere Wilfred is raising eyebrows with her latest reflections on modern family life, warning that Gen Z parenting trends and shifting marital values are undermining Nigeria’s future. The Nollywood icon, speaking to The Nation on July 12, 2025, voiced concern over a disturbing rise in fragile marriages and overprotected children among younger generations .
Drawing from her role in the TV drama Sands of Time, Wilfred admitted the character she portrayed forced her to reckon with her own parenting habits. She confessed watching playback footage and realizing she’d been overly strict—prompting her to soften her approach at home, particularly with her graduate son .
“Parents of this generation are Gen Z parents,” she said, contrasting today’s young families with her own marriage of over 30 years. “Back in the day… you buy aso ebi and before you blink, they’ve broken up. We were not like that before.” Her 30-year union remains strong, Wilfred shared, adding weight to her message .
She stressed that childhood protection must be balanced with independence to nurture resilience. Over-sheltering, she warns, can stunt growth. By adjusting her parenting style mid-production, Wilfred demonstrated a willingness to learn and evolve—a lesson viewers and parents alike can heed .
Echoing a broader cultural critique, Wilfred argued that family breakdowns and fleeting relationships stem from “a departure from traditional values.” She suggested that today’s rapid, image-led marriages lack the foundation of respect and commitment that once defined Nigerian unions .
Nollywood mothers watching Sands of Time responded positively to Wilfred’s call. The show’s message—that caring for children means listening more and controlling less—struck a chord with viewers, especially parents facing the pressures of modern influences .
Wilfred concluded with a plea to parents everywhere: “Let love guide, not fear.” She encouraged African mothers to nurture emotional well-being alongside discipline, stressing the need for marriages strong enough to weather today’s pressures. Her reflections may spark deeper conversations on how Nigeria nurtures its next generation.
