Why Many Nigerian Homes Have No Family Traditions (and How to Start One Today)

Growing up, I can’t really say my family had “traditions.” We had routines that worked — you woke up, did your chores, ate your meals, went to school, and sometimes played after. Some days, my mum would cook a special meal and we’d have fun together, but it wasn’t something we could point to as our family tradition. Things were done as they “should be done,” not as intentional traditions that bonded us as a family.

And honestly, that’s the reality for many Nigerian homes — we run on routines, not traditions.

But as you start your own family, it’s worth thinking about how to create family traditions for your children. Because traditions aren’t just “cute ideas” — they give kids stability, connection, and beautiful memories to hold onto.

Why Family Traditions Matter

I remember visiting my aunt’s house and seeing how she built little traditions into her children’s lives:

• They had a meal timetable — breakfast, lunch, and dinner times were fixed.

• Snack times were set, so the kids didn’t have to ask for food constantly.

• They had a weekly movie night.

• Weekends were for visiting grandparents or hosting cousins.

• They celebrated milestones with special gifts or outings.

• They even had house rules like “no foul language” — and everyone respected it.

Those kids knew what to expect, and it created a rhythm of connection in their home.

Tradition vs. Routine

Many of us grew up with routines — wake up, eat, go to school, church on Sunday. But routines are about what needs to get done, while traditions are about how we intentionally connect while doing them.

Example:

• Routine: Eating dinner together.

• Tradition: Making Friday night “puff puff night” where everyone helps in the kitchen before eating together.

How to Start Family Traditions (Even If You Didn’t Grow Up With Any)

1. Start Small – Pick one thing you can do regularly, like Sunday evening walks or Saturday pancake breakfasts.

2. Tie it to Your Values – If you value learning, make reading time a weekly tradition. If you value family bonding, schedule monthly game nights.

3. Make Milestones Special – Give a meaningful gift when your child learns a new skill or finishes a school term.

4. Include Extended Family – Plan visits to grandparents, cousins, or close family friends.

5. Celebrate Nigerian Culture – Include cultural foods, stories, songs, or festivals in your traditions.

6. Be Consistent but Flexible – Keep the tradition going, but adjust as your family grows and life changes.

   
   

Traditions Don’t Have to Be Expensive

You don’t need luxury vacations or elaborate events. A “tradition” can be as simple as:

• Having jollof rice every Sunday lunch.

• Visiting the park on the first Saturday of each month.

• Reading bedtime stories every night.

• Doing a “family prayer night” on Fridays.

It’s about creating moments your kids will remember long after the toys are gone.

My Final Thought

Just because you didn’t grow up with traditions doesn’t mean your children should miss out. In fact, your home can be where new, beautiful traditions begin. Think about what you want your kids to remember when they’re grown — then start building it today.

What’s one tradition you’d love to start in your home? Share it in the comments or on Instagram and tag @MomCircleNG — let’s inspire each other.