“Routine: A Thought for Nigerian Parents in the UK” — A Message from AkinDayo in Derby

At Naija UK Connect, we love sharing real voices from our community—especially those navigating the joys and struggles of parenting in the UK. Today’s feature comes from AkinDayo Akindolani, a father, educator, and community builder based in Derby. His reflection on routine as a Nigerian parent raising children in the UK is honest, relatable, and incredibly timely.

Routine: A Thought for Nigerian Parents in the UK

By AkinDayo Akindolani | Derby, UK

Lately, I’ve found myself reflecting deeply on routine—not just as a concept, but what it really means for us as Nigerian parents raising children here in the UK.

A few weeks ago, I spoke with an early years educator from one of the top private school franchises. She shared how vital structure and predictability are for children, especially in their early development. From the moment a child walks into school, there’s a rhythm—welcome routines, play time, learning blocks, snack breaks. These moments help children feel safe, understood, and focused.

That conversation reminded me of my early days in the UK, when I worked as a cover supervisor to understand the school system better. I saw firsthand how UK teachers use simple yet powerful routines—songs, countdowns, visual cues—to guide behaviour and learning. These routines weren’t just about control; they were about communication and consistency.

Now compare that to our upbringing in Nigeria. We also had “routines,” though they looked very different. I still remember the flying slippers of justice from my mum and the mysterious “Come and get my shoe” instruction from my dad—code for, “You’re about to be disciplined.” 😂 It wasn’t structured in the textbook sense, but it was its own kind of system.

These days, raising children in Derby, I’ve come to appreciate the power of intentional routine—not only for my kids, but for me as a parent. That said, I won’t pretend it’s easy.

Sometimes I shift the goalposts. I promise a reward, then life throws a curveball—like an unexpected £2,000 bill. That planned family outing? Cancelled. The guilt hits hard. But I’m learning: even when life is unpredictable, structure helps us all breathe better.

So here’s my open invitation to fellow Naija parents in the UK:

🔹 What routines have helped your kids thrive?
🔹 How do you blend your Nigerian upbringing with the UK environment?
🔹 What mistakes have you learned from along the way?

Send me your thoughts. You can reply directly, message me anonymously, or email me at dayo@teshouse.org. With your permission, I’d love to compile and share your insights (named or anonymous) so others can learn and grow too.

Parenting in the UK isn’t a solo journey. Let’s build better habits—together.

Warmly,
AkinDayo Akindolani
TES Community, Derby
✉️ dayo@teshouse.org

💬 Got something to say?

We’re always looking to feature more voices like AkinDayo’s. If you’re a Nigerian parent, student, or professional in the UK and you’ve got a story to share, message us at naijaukconnect@gmail.com.

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