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A Nigerian mother of four has raised serious concerns over the unusual behavior of her second daughter, saying the child’s fear of sharing plates and contact with others has begun affecting her school life and social relationships. Read our previous post: I Don’t Want to Lose Him”: Widow in Tears as Fiancé Demands Her Children Drop Their Late Father’s Name
The woman, who said she has been happily married for nine years, explained that although her daughter is growing into a beautiful young girl, she has developed habits that are becoming increasingly troubling.
According to the mother, the issue started when the child was just four years old. From that age, she refused to use any plate, spoon, cup, or teacup that had been used by someone else — including her own parents and siblings. The family eventually bought a completely separate set of dishes just for her, hoping she would outgrow the behavior.
However, instead of improving, the situation appears to be getting worse.
“Her siblings can eat together from one plate, but she will never join them,” the mother said. “If her food is not served separately, she won’t eat at all.”
The mother compared the situation to her own childhood, recalling how her late mother used to serve meals for her and her siblings on one large plate as a bonding experience. She expressed sadness that she cannot share such moments with her daughter.
The behavior recently caused embarrassment during a visit from guests. The mother said she had taken a bite of an apple and offered the remaining portion to her daughter. The girl reportedly refused to eat it, smelled it in front of everyone, described it as “stinky,” and threw it away.
Beyond the home, the habit has begun affecting the child’s conduct at school. The mother revealed she was recently summoned to the school for the third time due to her daughter’s involvement in fights.
In one incident, the girl allegedly fought a classmate who sat too close to her and was talking, after tiny droplets of saliva landed on her. The mother said most of the fights are connected to her daughter’s strong dislike of physical closeness and fear of contact with other people’s germs.
“She constantly wipes her mouth and avoids looking at people’s faces when they talk to her, even at home,” the worried mother added.
The parents say neither of them displayed such behavior while growing up and are unsure where it may have come from. They are now deeply concerned about how the situation might affect their daughter’s emotional well-being, friendships, and future development.
Child development experts say that while some children naturally prefer personal space or are cautious about hygiene, extreme fear of contamination, refusal to share everyday items, and aggressive reactions to close contact may require professional attention. Early consultation with a pediatrician or child psychologist could help determine whether the behavior is linked to anxiety, sensory sensitivity, or another underlying condition.
For now, the family says they are seeking advice on the best steps to take to support their daughter and help her live a more comfortable and socially balanced life.
