Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has shared the reasons behind the small lies she told her children about their father to ensure they had a sense of balance in their lives. In an interview with AntoSays, she explained why she felt it was necessary to take this approach and revealed some of the stories she told to protect her children. Here’s what she had to say.
Iyabo Ojo shared a heartfelt reflection on her life, describing it as a journey worthy of a book. She explained that while her family was financially stable, her upbringing lacked balance due to challenges within her family dynamics. This lack of harmony fueled her desire to ensure her children grew up in a balanced and nurturing environment.
To protect her children from the turbulence of her personal struggles, she shielded them from social media, news, and certain realities until they were around 14 or 15 years old. She admitted to telling “white lies,” including claiming that their father was frequently traveling, to create a sense of stability for her children.
Despite her separation from their father, Iyabo went to great lengths to foster a positive image of him in their lives. She ensured he maintained access to the children during his visits, bought gifts on his behalf, and even portrayed a friendly relationship with him in their presence. For instance, during the holidays, she placed gifts under the Christmas tree labeled as being from him to make the children feel their father was involved, even when he was absent.
As her children grew older and began asking questions, she provided gentle explanations to maintain their sense of family balance. Her goal was to give them a childhood where they could confidently share stories about both parents, just like their peers.
Iyabo’s dedication to shielding her children from her personal struggles highlights her unwavering commitment to their well-being, despite the challenges she faced.
What are your thoughts on Iyabo Ojo’s decision to tell small white lies to shield her children from the truth? Share your opinion in the comments below or on my Jide Okonjo Facebook post.
