Afrobeat musician Seun Kuti has sparked conversation with his unconventional parenting philosophy, suggesting parents should deliberately become sources of stress in their children’s lives. During a candid interview with NotJustOk Originals, the Nigerian artist revealed this approach forms his core strategy for family dynamics.
Kuti explained he actively “stresses” his daughter during home time to preempt her from causing him stress. He believes parental frustration often stems from failing to establish this proactive dynamic first.
“Most parents don’t realize children stress them because they weren’t stressed first,” Kuti stated. “Here’s my parenting tip: Kids assume they can stress you without consequences. Reverse that. Become the stress in your child’s existence.”
The Grammy-nominated artist described home-stressing as his favorite pastime. “I deliberately engage my daughter so she lacks bandwidth to stress me. This approach brings me genuine joy.”
Kuti extended this philosophy to his performances. “When not parenting, I transfer this energy to concerts. The stage offers similar control – I’m responsibly stressing audiences there too. It completes my identity as a stresser.”
This provocative perspective challenges conventional parenting wisdom while reflecting Kuti’s distinctive approach to relationships and performance dynamics.
About the Author
