Growing up in a Nigerian household is a struggle on its own. Don’t get me wrong, I love being Nigerian-American. But sometimes, trying to live a normal life is impossible. Nigerian parents have a different way of raising their children. To my fellow Nigerian-Americans, this one is for you.

1. “Mom, I want to change my major.”

Yeah, don’t even try it. Nigerian parents want you to stick with one major, that’s final.

2. “Did I send you to school for fashion?”

Every Nigerian loves to say this to their child. Can I just look nice for once? Sheesh.

3.  “Mom. Dad. I got a B on my math test!”

Yeah…Nigerians want you to get all A’s in every subject known to man. Even in gym class. Like, can you be happy that I got a B?

4. When your mom talks on the phone with relatives, and insists on being loud in the house.

Seriously. I don’t understand. Use your inside voice please.

5. “Can I go to a party tonight?”

Party? What party? You will stay home and read your books, that’s what you’ll be doing.

6. How you feel when your Nigerian relatives give you money before they leave:

Hey, there’s nothing wrong with getting extra money. More shopping for me.

7. When you get into an argument with your mom, and she says: “This child is trying to kill me, oh.”

Where did that come from? That went from 0-100 REAL quick.

8. When you give or take anything from your Nigerian parents with your left hand instead of your right hand:

In Nigerian custom, you’re supposed to give or take anything with your right hand instead of left. If you use your left hand, it’s kind of like a sign of disrespect. Can I panic now or later?

9. NO BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND UNTIL YOU FINISH SCHOOL!

Yeah…..can we chill with the overprotective parenting please? You can balance a relationship and school at the same time. Just stop with that mess.

10. When your parents speak in their native language to other people, and you don’t understand what they’re saying:

But it also makes me curious. Who and what are they talking about? Listen, the only thing that I can understand is Nigerian Pidgin, that’s about it. For those who don’t know what Nigerian Pidgin is, it’s basically broken English.

11. Talking back to Nigerian parents:

Just don’t. Unless you plan on running for your life.

12. That feeling when you ask your Nigerian mom what’s for dinner tonight, and she says “jollof rice” for the 100th time this month:

I love jollof rice and all, but can we eat something else please? Mom, have you ever heard of Chinese food?

Despite all this, I still love being Nigerian-American. Now, let’s dance.