Former Big Brother Naija contestant Leo Dasilva has ignited a thought-provoking conversation across social media with his unusually frank perspective on discussing death with children. The reality TV personality shared his intention to prepare his future children for the inevitability of his passing once they reach “a certain level of understanding.”
Dasilva made the surprising declaration on X (formerly Twitter), where his straightforward approach to mortality quickly gained traction among followers and sparked varied reactions from across the platform. His statement—”As soon as my kids get to a certain level of understanding, I will start preparing them for my death”—reflects an unconventional parenting philosophy that has resonated with many who have experienced personal loss.
This isn’t the first time Dasilva has demonstrated forward thinking regarding mortality. In 2022, he revealed having written his first will at age 25, responding to online discourse encouraging young adults to establish legal directives for their assets early in life. This pattern suggests Dasilva maintains a pragmatic approach to life planning that extends beyond typical considerations for someone his age.
The humanitarian’s perspective appears shaped by an understanding that life’s unpredictability demands preparedness. While many parents avoid discussing mortality with children to protect their innocence, Dasilva’s approach acknowledges death as an inevitable aspect of life that requires emotional and practical preparation.
Public response to Dasilva’s statement has been notably mixed, with many commenters expressing support while others question the appropriateness of burdening children with such weighty concepts. The conversation highlights cultural differences in how families approach discussions about death and bereavement.
“If you lost your dad at an early age like I did, you will understand he is making major sense,” wrote user Soberdrunk88, echoing sentiments from others who experienced parental loss without adequate preparation. Another user, Stella_aca_, defended Dasilva’s position: “Scary but very understandable. Life is so unpredictable, you don’t want them helpless once you leave.”
Critics, however, worried about potential psychological impacts. User Kraggy79 questioned, “Why would you expose your kids to such information even if they understand the meaning of life and death?” This perspective reflects concerns that premature exposure to mortality concepts might create unnecessary anxiety or diminish childhood joy._1740574228.jpeg "BBNaija STAR LEO DASILVA SPARKS DEBATE WITH CANDID REVELATION ON PREPARING CHILDREN FOR MORTALITY 1")
Child psychology experts often suggest that discussions about death should be age-appropriate and contextual. While complete avoidance can leave children unprepared for eventual loss, overly detailed or frequent discussions might create undue worry. The appropriate balance depends on each child’s emotional maturity and circumstances.
Dasilva’s openness about mortality planning represents a departure from traditional African approaches to discussing death, which often involve protective euphemisms or delayed explanations. His modern perspective may reflect changing attitudes toward transparency in parent-child relationships.
Since his appearance on Big Brother Naija, Dasilva has cultivated a public image centered on thoughtfulness and social awareness. His humanitarian work and often philosophical social media presence have established him as someone who frequently engages with substantive issues beyond entertainment.
The conversation sparked by Dasilva’s statement connects to broader societal dialogues about death literacy—the knowledge and skills that help people understand and navigate end-of-life matters. Advocates for improved death literacy suggest that greater comfort discussing mortality leads to better preparation, reduced fear, and more meaningful final life stages.
For many commenters, Dasilva’s perspective resonated as “bitter truth we are always running from,” as user Morealnooni put it. This acknowledgment suggests many recognize the value in his approach while admitting the difficulty of confronting mortality.
The reality star’s willingness to address such sensitive topics publicly demonstrates the evolving role of celebrities in Nigerian society. Beyond entertainment, figures like Dasilva increasingly use their platforms to stimulate meaningful conversations about life’s most fundamental challenges.
Whether or not parents agree with Dasilva’s specific approach, his comments have successfully initiated important discussions about how families prepare children for life’s inevitable losses. The varied responses highlight that there is no universal consensus on the right way to discuss mortality with children—approaches necessarily vary based on cultural background, personal experience, and individual children’s needs.
As the conversation continues across social media, many parents may find themselves reconsidering their own approach to discussing mortality with their children. Dasilva’s candid statement, regardless of one’s agreement with his perspective, has accomplished something valuable—encouraging families to thoughtfully consider how they prepare younger generations for life’s most challenging transitions.
For Dasilva, who continues to build his career post-BBNaija through humanitarian work and public engagement, this moment represents another example of his willingness to address substantive issues that many public figures might avoid. While his approach may not be universal, the thoughtfulness behind it reflects a deeply considered philosophy about parenting and preparing future generations for life’s full spectrum of experiences.
