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Veteran Nollywood actress Chinyere Wilfred has opened up about her concerns over the alarming rise in broken marriages and the increasing challenges of parenting in today’s fast-paced, digital-driven society.
In an exclusive interview with The Nation, Wilfred—who has been married for over 30 years—spoke candidly about how shifting cultural values and the influence of social media are contributing to instability in modern relationships.
“Today’s parents are Gen Z. Back in the day, our parents had boundaries,” she said.
“What we see today is shocking. People get married, you buy aso ebi, and before you blink—boom—they’re divorced. Marriage isn’t a party dress you wear and throw away.”
Parenting in the Modern World: A Balancing Act
Shifting the conversation to parenting, Wilfred reflected on how easily love can be misinterpreted as control—something she realized while filming the series Sands of Time.
“While shooting Sands of Time, I saw myself in that character. I didn’t realize I was overreacting with my children until I watched the playback. It hit me—I was being too controlling,” she revealed.
Wilfred shared a personal moment of growth, noting how her strict parenting style affected her relationship with her son.
“Even now, as a graduate, he still can’t sleep out. I thought I was protecting them, but I was actually overprotecting.”
She emphasized the need for modern parents—especially African mothers—to understand the difference between discipline and emotional suffocation.
“We think we’re loving our children, but sometimes, we’re stifling them. Sands of Time is more than a series—it’s a conversation starter. It teaches us to listen more, to trust more, and to breathe.”
According to Wilfred, the complexity of parenting today calls for a balanced approach—one that combines guidance with freedom, and discipline with empathy.
