What did you find most interesting about Monica Omorodion Swaida’s childhood?

[Melisa Jane]

This is a discussion topic for the February 2025 Book of the Month, "They Love You Until You Start Thinking for Yourself" by Monica Omorodion Swaida.

What did you find most interesting about Monica Omorodion Swaida’s childhood?

[Blue N Sky]

What I found most interesting about the author's childhood is that she had two parents who obviously cared a lot about her success. Although they both were busy with work, they gave her the attention she needed - not only her, but her eight siblings as well. Although she came from humble beginnings, her parents' devotion to their children fostered an attitude of striving for success. It is no wonder that the author achieved all she did. Although she grew up at a financial disadvantage, she still had the incredible privilege of her parents' care.

[Kelvin Omollo]

The interesting part is the huge number of siblings and the age gaps and living with an investigator dad. Can't tell where she got the courage to walk into the "dark room" where her father hung scary photos.

[Kelvin Omollo]

What I found most interesting about the author's childhood is that she had two parents who obviously cared a lot about her success. Although they both were busy with work, they gave her the attention she needed - not only her, but her eight siblings as well. Although she came from humble beginnings, her parents' devotion to their children fostered an attitude of striving for success. It is no wonder that the author achieved all she did. Although she grew up at a financial disadvantage, she still had the incredible privilege of her parents' care.

Being from Africa and knowing men of those days, I was taken aback that Monica's dad was monogamous . The number of children didn't surprise me though.

[Judy Burr]

Her mother worked and slept. She said she never saw her have any time to herself. Her father, on the other hand, loved to listen to music, and Monica learned about music and dancing from him. In fact, he took her to a city, where he worked, and she took lessons but became very homesick and returned back home to her mother and siblings.

[Frank Edwards]

Her mother was busy working and resting, while her father loved music, instilling that passion in Monica. Despite their modest means, both parents prioritized their children's success. This support fostered a drive for achievement in Monica, enabling her to thrive despite financial challenges.

[AjaydtTomar]

Monica's upbringing was shaped by her parents who prioritized her success and provided her with necessary attention. Despite her financial disadvantage, their devotion fostered an attitude of striving for success. Monica learned music and dance from her father, who was monogamous. Their support, combined with her mother and siblings, enabled her to thrive despite financial challenges.

[Lorna Walters 1]

I found it interesting that the family was a close-knit one. Also, I found that despite being busy, the parents were able to devote quality time to the children and instilled in them the desire to succeed in life. I liked how Monica described the characteristics of her siblings and indicated what she learned from each.

[George Bastem]

What I found most interesting about Monica Omorodion Swaida’s childhood was her experience of constantly moving across Nigeria due to her father’s work as a crime scene photographer. This exposed her to diverse cultures and environments from an early age, shaping her adaptability and resilience; qualities that later defined her journey as an immigrant and entrepreneur.

[Elizabeth-Tush4Christ]

Most African homes had a similar story, but what stood out for me is her father being around and there for them. His choice of work was also very rare; I like the unique relationship between her and her father. Also, most parents want their children to be doctors, lawyers, etc., but her father wanted her to pursue her love for music. That's commendable.

[Catarina Luciane Silva]

I found Monica Omorodion Swaida’s childhood interesting. Constantly moving can affect any child, across and living in Nigeria must have given her a unique perspective on life and culture.
As a Brazilian, I see some parallels in how parents often have traditional career expectations for their children, but I admire how her father encouraged her passion. It’s inspiring to see parents supporting creative paths instead of conventional careers. I was a supported kid, in a way that I became what I really wanted to.

[Neha Panikar]

I liked that Monica's parents prioritised their children's success despite being at a financial disadvantage. The number of children surprised me, and being able to prioritise so many children the same takes a lot of personal sacrifice.
The attention and care her parents were able to provide, is according to me, instrumental in her confidence and courage to pursue her dreams.

[Victor Nwabuisi]

What I found most interesting about the author’s childhood was her friendship with Gloria, the rich kid, which reminded me of my own childhood experiences. I also enjoyed the part where she answered her brother's question and ended up enrolling in school earlier; it was quite amusing.

[Catherine Sweet]

Although the family didn't have much materially, Monica and her siblings seemed to have had a happy childhood.

[Shaniqua Yorke]

Monica Omorodion Swaida’s childhood really gives me mixed emotions, however, the one I find interesting the most is her father's availability despite his tight work schedule.