My Story – Peace
I am Peace, and this is my story.
I was born and raised in Lokoja, Kogi State, by my grandparents because my mom needed time to bond with her new husband. My dad was not in the picture. After my mom and her husband had their first son together, she asked for me to come over to Port Harcourt. It was a bittersweet moment, but I was excited because I would finally be with my mom.
My first few months with them were beautiful. I felt loved and happy. But as more siblings came into the picture, I began to feel like my mom’s love for me was fading. I doubted her love, and that hurt deeply.
A Message to Parents
I want to pause here and speak to parents—sometimes, try to put yourselves in your child’s shoes. Talk to them. Many kids are going through serious mental struggles without their parents even realizing it.
In my case, I was emotionally drained. I felt like my stepdad was my real dad and my mom had become my stepmother. She started saying hurtful things that broke me. I was abused at times, but I kept quiet because I was scared and didn’t know who to tell.
Children need their parents' friendship. It helps them feel comfortable enough to speak up. Being too busy or distant from your child is never a good thing. I couldn’t tell my mom because she wasn’t my friend—she was just my mom. My stepdad was always busy too. I felt alone.
Instead of talking to my parents, I confided in a friend at school. I needed to let it out somehow. That’s when I started writing. Writing became my escape, my way of expressing what I couldn’t say out loud. It truly helped me.
Never Neglect Your Children
Parents should never neglect their children for anything in the world. I lost my love for myself. Instead of loving me, I gave my love to people who broke me as a child. And my mom wasn’t there.
Then, my stepdad turned against me and abused me too. My mom was not at home. That broke the last bit of trust and hope I had left.
Sometimes, what your child needs is not just new clothes and shoes but a safe space to speak freely. It is very important never to take that away from them.
You must be logged in to post a comment.