For the past ten years, parenthood has been one of the most cherished parts of my life. Being a mother to two wonderful children has taught me lessons that no classroom, book, or mentor ever could. They have taught me patience, empathy, self-care, and the importance of remaining an individual rather than becoming a perpetually stressed and complaining mom.
I have always wanted my children to grow into problem-solvers and critical thinkers rather than simply top academic achievers. Life will inevitably place challenges in their path, and I want them to have the confidence to navigate through them. Like Abhimanyu entering the Chakravyuha, they may not always know every answer, but they should have the courage and resilience to find a way forward.
As a working mother, life often feels like it is moving at the speed of a computer processor. Between deadlines, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists, every day is a race against time. Yet my children rarely complain about my busy schedule, although my husband occasionally reminds me that I need to slow down!
Last week, during a rare weekday off, my five-year-old son and I attempted a luxurious afternoon nap. Neither of us could fall asleep. After a while, he quietly came over and said, “Mom, I want to hug you.”
Those spontaneous cuddles have become less frequent now that both my children sleep together in their own room. So, I welcomed him into my arms. We hugged, exchanged kisses, and sang our usual bedtime song together.
Then he whispered, “Mom, I need to tell you a secret.”
Immediately, my attention sharpened.
“Promise you won’t tell anyone,” he said.
“I promise. I’m your best friend,” I replied.
In a shy voice, he told me that while playing, his best friend from the neighborhood had accidentally kicked him on his buttocks. I casually dismissed it at first, saying they were probably just playing. But he looked at me seriously and said, “Mom, you told me those are my private parts, and nobody is allowed to touch them.”
At that moment, I felt incredibly proud. A conversation I had with him over a year ago about body safety had stayed with him. What seemed like a small lesson to me had become an important value in his young mind.
That day reminded me that our words leave lasting impressions on our children. The lessons we think they have forgotten are often the ones they remember most.
Takeaway: In the rush of daily life, make time for those quiet bedtime conversations. When the world grows still, children often open their hearts. Listen carefully. Their little stories, questions, and secrets are not distractions—they are precious opportunities to build trust, confidence, and a lifelong bond.
Sumana Abdul Sathar
