Children do not wear many clothes until they are able to sew for themselves. Men who have sons that are at least fifteen years old must pass their work on to them to maintain a separation of the generations. The fathers act as supervisors to their sons, directing them in digging wells or watering the herds. They also handle any disputes that may arise. Young boys spend much of their time playing in the bush, chasing birds from the fields, or keeping the herds from getting in the fields.
Young girls help their mothers with their chores.
The Fulani feel that if you are able to have someone work for you, then you are of a higher social status. Consequently, they are not known as hard workers. Although the temperature of this region is more bearable during the rainy season, they prefer to work during the dry season. The dry season task of watering the herd is easier than the rainy season task of cultivating the fields. They believe that mental illness is caused by being so terrified that you lose control of yourself.