Renowned filmmaker Biodun Stephen has cautioned parents against ceding authority to their children, even when those children become the family’s primary breadwinners.

In a recent social media post, Stephen emphasized that financial contributions should not blur parental boundaries or diminish the role of effective parenting. She wrote, “Poverty does not diminish the role of good parenting. That your child is the breadwinner doesn’t mean the baton of parenting is now the child’s, as long as the said child… is still recognised as a child.”

Stephen acknowledged that life circumstances may place children in provider roles, but stressed that parents must maintain discipline, guidance, and moral authority.

The filmmaker’s advice follows a documentary she viewed, which highlighted how some parents lose their parental influence once a child assumes financial responsibility. She urged parents to stay steadfast in their role, irrespective of economic realities.

“Parents, play your role regardless,” she concluded.