Bovi Stands by His No Beating Parenting Approach Despite Social Media Backlash
Nigerian comedian Bovi Ugboma has sparked a heated debate on social media after sharing his views on parenting during a recent interview on the Honest Bunch Podcast. In the interview, Bovi revealed that he does not believe in beating children, even when they misbehave. His comments have drawn significant attention and mixed reactions from Nigerians online.
Bovi recalled an incident where his son broke three televisions out of anger, but instead of resorting to corporal punishment, he chose to address the situation with understanding. He believes that parents should focus on guiding their children through their emotions and behaviors, rather than using physical punishment as a solution.
However, Bovi’s remarks have generated controversy, with many Nigerians expressing their differing opinions. On X (formerly Twitter), users have voiced concerns about children acting out in public and the potential consequences of not disciplining them. Chinaza Victoria, tweeting as #love_Victoria17, raised concerns about the impact of undisciplined children on teachers, stating that children who are not corrected may feel entitled to act out in public spaces.
Another user, Mazi Nathan, tweeting as #rukky_nate, criticized Bovi’s approach, suggesting that a lack of discipline could have damaging effects on a child’s development. He argued that not correcting a child when they misbehave could lead to behavioral issues later in life, especially if they are allowed to act without consequence.
While many criticized Bovi’s stance, some users supported his approach, agreeing with his position against corporal punishment. A user identified as #softhardguy shared that while he also opposes beating children, it is essential to teach them about consequences and how their actions have effects on others. He emphasized that moments like the one Bovi described could be used to teach children about controlling their anger and making better choices.
On the other hand, a supporter of Bovi’s method, Mfon Abia, tweeting as #PrettyMfon, explained that Bovi’s son’s behavior might be linked to special needs. She suggested that children with special needs sometimes have temper tantrums or meltdowns, which should be addressed with patience and behavioral therapy, not physical punishment. This perspective highlights the importance of understanding the root causes of a child’s behavior before deciding on the appropriate response.
In response to the online backlash, Bovi took to X.com on Tuesday to address his critics. He apologized for any offense caused by his words, particularly the phrase “For the fun of it,” which some found controversial. He explained that his intention was not to upset anyone, but rather to express his personal beliefs on parenting. He also shared that he had been raised without physical punishment and turned out “almost okay,” reinforcing his stance that empathy and understanding can be just as effective as discipline.
Bovi further clarified that his son had a speech impediment and communication challenges, which were only beginning to improve. He defended his parenting style, explaining that he chose to approach his son’s behavior with empathy rather than punishment, believing that understanding and support would lead to better results in the long term.
Despite the mixed reactions, Bovi remains firm in his decision to raise his children with compassion and understanding. His comments have sparked a wider conversation about parenting styles in Nigeria, particularly around the issue of corporal punishment. While opinions on the matter differ, Bovi’s approach highlights the ongoing debate about the most effective way to discipline and guide children.
As the discussion continues online, Bovi’s parenting philosophy has opened up important conversations about the role of empathy, communication, and discipline in raising well-rounded children.
