We’re officially parents to tweens. Hurtling to the teens. Strangely, I have less anxiety about the coming phase than they will most probably have. Those raging hormones can be confusing. One just needs to look around at the depression and mental health problems that our youth struggle with.

 

We started a new level of age-appropriate sex education at home a few weeks back and when my firstborn realised that puberty for boys starts at 12 years old, he’s nine, his response was both funny and telling. “No! That’s too soon! Will I still be able to play?” in between giggles, holding his face in disbelief.

 

Parenting is not for sissies

 

On this day, the anniversary of my second stint of labour eight years ago, I’m still in disbelief that I’m a parent of two. The responsibility is ginormous! Even for one who had seen a bit of life and by all accounts was way over-ready. If every human in the world consciously understood the assignment, population growth would decline overnight, and all forms of contraception would become high-ticket items.

 

This is why I have massive respect for those who actively choose to remain childless. That’s next level awareness that I can only aspire to. I can hear some of you. We’re supposed to have kids. It’s biological.  

 

But what’s our obsession with leaving our ‘seed’ behind? Surely, if we understand that we’re connected to the Universe, we’re all ‘brothers and sisters’. Come, Christians, isn’t that what the Bible teaches? If that’s true, then we should be more concerned about the state of humanity than an obsession with procreation.

 

It’s always about balance

 

Anyhow, we’re here; we’re not changing the world today. And this has nothing to do with any regrets about my parenting journey. As I’ve said, there’s a universal equilibrium at play at all times; parenting is equally challenging and fulfilling. Parent and child are continually learning together. There will always be moments of tension and ease.

 

So, as I venerate the soul that’s here to teach me that life is not black or white, that it’s always good to laugh and be silly, and that it’s highly recommended to explore the world beyond the confines of the ‘round hole’, I’m truly humbled and intensely thankful for the experience of parenting. There’s no other relationship that can bring you down to your knees or give you a euphoric lift, sometimes in a span of minutes.

 

Happy birthday, my favourite lastborn, my rainbow child, my sunshine. Never stop living your truth. And never allow your light to be dulled by someone else’s darkness.

 

Here’s to unicorns and multicolour, forever!