“Emotional Maturity”: Child Expert Dissects Nino Idibia’s Mother's Day Tribute to Annie Macaulay

• Fatayo Samuel Temitayo, a child psychologist, has said that Nino Idibia’s message to Annie Macaulay shows emotional maturity and strong family support
• He told Legit.ng that children who appreciate multiple maternal figures usually feel secure, emotionally balanced, and supported within blended family structures
• Temitayo added that with respect and open communication, blended families can strengthen empathy and raise emotionally resilient, well-adjusted children

A child psychologist has described Nino Idibia's viral Mother’s Day message to his stepmother, Annie Macaulay, as a sign of emotional maturity and a positive outcome of effective parenting within a blended family.

Recall that Nino Idibia, in a heartfelt Instagram story, celebrated Mother's Day by honouring his mum, Sunmbo Adeoye, and stepmum, Annie.

Speaking with Legit.ng on Tuesday, May 13, Fatayo Samuel Temitayo, a child psychologist, said the public appreciation expressed by Nino depicts a strong emotional foundation.

“For Nino Idibia, expressing publicly his appreciation of his stepmother Annie Macaulay stands as a positive sign of emotional maturity,” he said.

Blended families can foster emotional growth

The expert explained that when children can acknowledge more than one maternal figure with gratitude, it often points to a sense of inner security and emotional balance.

“When a child shows love, thanks, and recognition toward more than one maternal figure, that child typically feels secure and emotionally balanced.

"This would mean the child feels acknowledged, supported, and loved by these different family systems collaboratively, which is important for a child's formation of identity and their regulation of emotions.”

He furthered that growing up in blended families could come with emotional complexities, but with the right approach, they can also foster deeper relational understanding:

“Blended families may give rise to such hazards as loyalty conflicts or cause certain confusion as far as identity is concerned, particularly during adolescence."

"Yet, when these issues are honestly discussed, with all concerned showing respect for each other and understanding what the emotional needs are, these families actually act as a resin glue, helping adults and adolescents in experiencing empathy and reaching further with their understanding of relationships.”

The psychologist also referenced Nino’s viral words, saying they depict emotional clarity and groundedness.

“Nino himself says, ‘Home is where Mum is,’ making it quite clear how he locates emotional safety and belonging in care and presence. This stands as a big positive sign for healthy emotional development and adaptability, which should be celebrated.”

Temitayo added that the mutual respect and affection shown in Nino’s message demonstrate the potential for blended families to raise emotionally secure children.

Parenting isn’t just about biology - Counselor

A family and marriage counselor, Grace Oke, stressed the importance of unity, communication, and accountability in building emotionally healthy blended families.

Speaking to Legit.ng in reaction to Nino Idibia’s tribute to his mother Annie Macaulay on Mother’s Day, Oke encouraged families to embrace their dynamics with purpose.

“Blended families have come to stay and we need to embrace it and make it purposeful because everyone we meet on our journey in life is meant for a purpose and posterity will thank us for it,” she said.

Oke noted that emotional gaps in blended homes can be bridged with intentional efforts beyond public affection.

“So asides public show of love, communication, accountability and oneness is the bedrock of any blended family and this majorly helps to build emotional gaps.”

She emphasised the need to redefine the meaning of family by valuing relationships beyond biological ties.

On healing emotional divides, Oke urged parents and children to adopt a divine perspective on their roles in each other’s lives.

“Emotional gaps can be filled when we see the next person whether the parents or the children the way God sees them and realize that it's an opportunity to be present in each other's life.”

Read more about 2Baba's ex-wife, Annie Idibia (now Annie Macaulay), below:

• Annie Macaulay’s 2nd Daughter Olivia Recreates Hollywood’s Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Scene in Old Video
• Annie Idibia Speaks on What She’s Working on With Her Children As She Goes Back to Her Maiden Name

Annie reacts to Nino’s heartfelt message

Legit.ng earlier reported that Annie Macaulay emotionally reacted to Nino’s Mother’s Day post, calling it beautiful and deeply touching.

She reposted his tribute on Instagram, expressed gratitude, and described his message as warm, sincere, and full of emotional depth.

Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a family and marriage counselor for this report.

Source: Legit.ng