Our earliest relationships often become the blueprint for the way we love, trust and connect with others as adults. Across Africa, many people are raised in homes shaped by absent parents, migration for work, conflict, divorce, financial hardship or family members stepping in to raise children. While the phrases "mommy issues" and "daddy issues" are often thrown around casually, psychologists say they can point to deeper childhood experiences that continue to influence adult relationships, self-worth and emotional wellbeing.
Whether someone grew up with an emotionally distant mother, an absent father or inconsistent parental support, those experiences can affect how they communicate, set boundaries and form romantic relationships later in life. As conversations around mental health become more open across the continent, understanding how childhood shapes adult behaviour is helping more people break unhealthy patterns! Joining us is Tryphosa Siwela, Clinical Psychologist and Siweya Wellness Solutions Director