20/05/2026
“Chileteni kuno ichoo!”😂
Bane, if you grew up in a Zambian home, you already know that once those words were spoken, your future suddenly became uncertain.
Back in the day, parents didn’t need books, warning charts, or “gentle talks.” One look was enough to make your soul leave your body
When visitors came over, and you suddenly forget every home training you were ever taught. Jumping from chair to chair like you were auditioning for the Olympics. Talking too much. Interrupting adults. Running around the house at full speed kaili apo ninshi you feel free.
And then your biggest mistake of all…
A visitor offers you food, “come eat with us.”
Before your mother could even respond, you were already sitting down with a full plate, like you pay bills in the house
Meanwhile, your mother is across the room giving you that african mother stare. The one that says:
"Wait, you will see.”
But because childhood confidence is dangerous, you ignored the warning and even asked for another piece of meat. 😂
Then the visitors leave. The house becomes quiet. Too quiet.
Your mother adjusts her chitenge, looks at your siblings, and says “chileteni kuno ichoo.” (Bring that one here.)
At that point, even your own legs stop working. 🤣
But looking back today, there was something powerful hidden behind those moments.
They taught us respect. They taught us discipline. They taught us humility. They taught us how to carry ourselves around people and how to behave in society.
Many of the values we carry today were planted in those simple moments we once thought were punishment.
And honestly bane, now that we are older, I am convinced one African mother stare alone could have maintained law and order in an entire country. 😂
