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Ghanaian musician Perez Musik has opened up about an often overlooked side effect of strict parenting, suggesting that all the shouting, scolding and “keep quiet when adults are talking” moments of childhood may have produced a generation that thinks twice before speaking up.
Speaking on the Afternoon Show on TV3, the musician reflected on how childhood experiences can shape confidence, communication and the willingness to express oneself.
According to Perez Musik, children who constantly grew up being shouted at or discouraged from speaking their minds may become adults who are overly cautious whenever they have to express an opinion.
He explained that the fear of saying the wrong thing can stay with a person long after childhood is over.
“Because of the way your mother will shout at you, your father will shout at you, when you are in public and you have to express yourself… you are a bit laid back, you are calculating. Should I say it? Should I not say it?” he said.
And honestly, that “Should I say it?” moment is familiar to many Ghanaians. Sometimes the meeting has ended, everyone has left, and you are still mentally preparing the brilliant contribution you were too scared to make.
Perez Musik believes children who are given room to express themselves are more likely to grow into confident adults who are comfortable sharing their thoughts.
His comments also extended beyond parenting into leadership. He urged people in positions of authority to understand that everyone is different and that not every individual responds to situations in the same way.
For him, good leadership requires emotional intelligence, patience and an appreciation of individual differences. Leaders should also create environments where people can make mistakes, learn from them and improve without being humiliated.
The musician’s observations highlight how the lessons children receive at home can follow them into classrooms, workplaces, relationships and leadership positions.
Discipline is important, but Perez Musik’s argument suggests that there is a difference between correcting a child and constantly making the child afraid to speak.
Perhaps the goal should not simply be to raise children who know how to behave when adults are talking. It should also be to raise adults who are confident enough to talk when their voices are needed.
Because sometimes, the loudest voice in the room is not necessarily the wisest. And sometimes, the quietest person is simply still asking themselves whether they are allowed to speak.
